Yesterday was PJ's follow up at the pediatrician's office. I really like those people. Anyway, after all is said and done, his lungs sounded perfectly clear. No need to re-do the x-rays, because he's feeling so good. No fever, great appetite, great color, energetic and happy. He is 14 wks old yesterday, or 3 months and one week. 11 pounds, 8 oz. His appetite is second only to his daddy's. lol.
Rebecca is adjusting to life in North Carolina well, although she misses her friends, and hasn't found a "best friend" like she had in Tennessee. She's doing great in school, and is finally (fingers crossed) outgrowing her tomboy stage, even asked me for some "girly" clothes for Christmas.
Daniel is working full-time. He seems happier here in NC, too. We've only gotten to go visit his family once since being back, but that's because PJ was sick for 3 weeks. I think we'll be going to see them the weekend after Christmas.
My mom has adjusted pretty well to our being here, taking over her house. We try to respect her boundaries, and she has friends that she goes out with, social activities to get her mind off of us, and she loves hanging out with Rebecca. They go places together, to the movies, shopping, etc. Becca loves her grandma, too.
With all the stress of my topsy-turvy life, my skin has decided that it's all-out war, and I cannot get it back to decent looking. It's red, red, red! And SOOOOO dry. Doesn't matter what cleanser I use, or what moisturizer, it's irritated beyond belief. I remember it being this way last time we lived in NC. I need to see a dermatologist, I guess. Maybe now that PJ is better it will calm down some. I'm not sure how I feel about anything, not having the time to look inward. I guess I'm glad we're here, but I really miss Spring Hill, TN, and the friends we made, and were making, the life we had. It sucks having to start over, with medical bills galore, no money, not even for a place of our own. Sorry, I'm whining. Enough of that crap. I am thankful for family. For my beautiful children. For my husband who has been supportive and understanding of my inability to leave PJ in someone else's care and go find a job to help bail us out. I just can't do it. Not yet. He's starting to give us those smiles, you know the ones, the ones that say - "Hey - I know you, and I think you are the best!" Better late than never, right?
Merry Christmas to all, and Happy New Year, too.
Much love from me to you.
Kathy
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
pneumonia
I thought it was just a cold. I took him to the Dr. last week Thursday and she said it was bronchiolitis, so we started treating him for that (nebulizer). He wasn't any better today, so back we went. She sent us over to the hospital for a chest xray. By day's end she was calling, telling us there was a small amount of pneumonia present, and to go get the new prescription. He's on amoxicillan and prednazone. Daniel is a mess, he doesn't worry about things, he's a "I don't give a f_ _ _" kind of person, normally. I'm just waiting to see how much gray hair he has tomorrow morning. LOL.
I feel certain PJ will be fine, and won't need to be hospitalized, but if you pray, please include him.
Thanks and love to all,
Kathy
I feel certain PJ will be fine, and won't need to be hospitalized, but if you pray, please include him.
Thanks and love to all,
Kathy
Sunday, December 9, 2007
my first collage attempt
PJ has been sick for a week. I took him Thursday to the Dr. he has bronchiolitis, an upper respiratory infection. So, he gets a breathing treatment with a nebulizer every 4 hours. And lots of saline drops in his nose, and the bulb syringe (snot sucker). I think he started to feel better about an hour ago. It's been a stressful weekend, with me on the verge of running him to the ER every hour or so.
Phew!
Phew!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
10 weeks old, today
LIttle PJ got his first set of shots today.
He was weighed and measured. He's 10 pounds, 4 ounces, and 20-1/2 inches long. This is a gain of 2 lbs, 4 oz, and an increase in length of 1 inch in a period of 4 weeks! He's so chubby now!
These pics were taken within the last day or so. (He's not feeling so hot right now).
He was weighed and measured. He's 10 pounds, 4 ounces, and 20-1/2 inches long. This is a gain of 2 lbs, 4 oz, and an increase in length of 1 inch in a period of 4 weeks! He's so chubby now!
These pics were taken within the last day or so. (He's not feeling so hot right now).
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
update on us
So far, Daniel hasn't been able to land a job, but is at an interview as I write this, and so I hope to be able to update with good news, soon! I've attached some pictures to this just so you can see my beautiful son! We went to Daniel's side of the state this holiday weekend, and introduced little PJ with his Nana, his Poppy, his aunts, uncles, cousins and his Grampa! Naturally, they all think he's beautiful!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
6 weeks old, where does it go?
Hello Everyone. Yesterday PJ was 6 weeks old. Today, I took him to his pediatrician, because his sinuses have been plugging up since the beginning, just about, and it's gotten to the point where it's disrupting his sleep, and interfering with his feeding. (poor baby ) Also, his eyes are junky, have been since the beginning, too.
The Dr. ran a thin little tube up each nostril to make sure there were no blockages, and thankfully, there weren't, then with the same teeny tube tried to suction out any mucous that is bothering him, and there really wasnt any. He's just got teeny tiny sinuses, I guess. He screamed throughout this fun time. (Can you say, STRESS?) Any way, unfortunately there's nothing to give him at this young age to relieve his pluggy sinuses. We have noticed, however that it's worse at night, or at naptime, so the Dr. recommended we elevate his head a bit for sleeping, and I put him on my bed, on a pillow, and he's been asleep now for 4 hours and not making that awful snorkeling sound, and not waking with every little sound, as he has been doing, I think for not sleeping well. Of course, I've not figured out how to do this same set up in his bassinette, but I'm working on it.
His tear ducts are clogged. His eyes get goopy. Dr says he'll need to see an eye Dr. but not yet. Probably around 6 months. I just wonder if they'll get better on their own, or if he'll have to have surgery. Same with his sinuses, will they open up? Or will he have to have surgery to fix them?
He's now 19-1/2 inches long, and 8 pounds, exactly! Just like a newborn baby, only he's 6 weeks old. So, in 6 weeks, his total weight gain is 2 pounds, 10 ounces, and in length he's gained 2 and a half inches. Not too shabby, huh?
Sunday, October 7, 2007
his eyes
Oh! What they do to me. They see into the very core of me. He understands the profound depth of my love for him. Those little almond shaped eyes, the window not only to his soul, but to my own. He is my heart, outside my body. God how I love this little man.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Down Syndrome Clinic at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
Down Syndrome Clinic at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
Today was lil' PJ's appointment at the Down Syndrome Clinic, which is held every Thursday. I was so impressed with the level of care that our babies get here in Nashville. We were seen by a Speech Therapist, a Dietician, a Social Worker, a Physical Therapist, a Cardiologist, a Pediatrician and a Psychologist peeked in to say hello also.
PJ had an echocardiogram done (an ultrasound of the heart) and they did find a little bitty leak, which they call an Atrial Septal Defect. The Doctor assured us that his heart is strong, and he is a very healthy boy, and that many babies, of all developments have these, many are never dectected, but because they look so carefully at a down syndrome child's heart because of the high occurance of heart defects, they are often found in our babies. It's only 5mm in measurement, and it can't even be heard as a murmur, and he reassured me that 98 - 99% of cases resolve themselves within a short period of time. He says we'll re-do the echo in 3 months, and it will very likely be gone. If it doesn't go away on it's own, the dr. says that a surgery MAY be performed at around age 2, depending on PJ's overall health, but he really made it sound like that would not be the case.
PJ's weight is up to 6 pounds 10 ounces, so that's a total gain of 1 lb, 3.4 ounces since birth, in 3 weeks and 1 day. His color is good and nobody had any concerns with him overall. The time flew by, it wasnt boring or frustrating and there was no wait.
It was very educational. Oh. We even saw Sheila, the Director of the Down Syndrome Assoc. of Middle TN, who we met at the picnic early in the summer, so she got to see PJ for the first time.
I wonder how other cities compare in caring for our babies?
Hugs and love to all,
Kathy
Today was lil' PJ's appointment at the Down Syndrome Clinic, which is held every Thursday. I was so impressed with the level of care that our babies get here in Nashville. We were seen by a Speech Therapist, a Dietician, a Social Worker, a Physical Therapist, a Cardiologist, a Pediatrician and a Psychologist peeked in to say hello also.
PJ had an echocardiogram done (an ultrasound of the heart) and they did find a little bitty leak, which they call an Atrial Septal Defect. The Doctor assured us that his heart is strong, and he is a very healthy boy, and that many babies, of all developments have these, many are never dectected, but because they look so carefully at a down syndrome child's heart because of the high occurance of heart defects, they are often found in our babies. It's only 5mm in measurement, and it can't even be heard as a murmur, and he reassured me that 98 - 99% of cases resolve themselves within a short period of time. He says we'll re-do the echo in 3 months, and it will very likely be gone. If it doesn't go away on it's own, the dr. says that a surgery MAY be performed at around age 2, depending on PJ's overall health, but he really made it sound like that would not be the case.
PJ's weight is up to 6 pounds 10 ounces, so that's a total gain of 1 lb, 3.4 ounces since birth, in 3 weeks and 1 day. His color is good and nobody had any concerns with him overall. The time flew by, it wasnt boring or frustrating and there was no wait.
It was very educational. Oh. We even saw Sheila, the Director of the Down Syndrome Assoc. of Middle TN, who we met at the picnic early in the summer, so she got to see PJ for the first time.
I wonder how other cities compare in caring for our babies?
Hugs and love to all,
Kathy
Monday, October 1, 2007
Bath number 3
Ok, so we had to make sure bath number one and two we weren't going to drown the little wiggle worm, but by bath number three we felt confident enough to get a couple of pictures. He really is squirmy, but seems to like getting his bath.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Welcome to your life, little PJ
Hi everyone. I'm home. I got home Saturday, and my world is upside down. I came home with a lot more stuff than I left with, and even though I am a Virgo, I am very unorganized, so there is stuff everywhere. Mom came 2 days ago, from NC, and will stay for 2 weeks - thank God. Daniel was off work all week last week, except for Monday, same as me, and wont return to work until Wednesday. This is a very good thing, because if I can get him motivated, HE is very organized. Mom is a big help, cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands, etc, just like a housewife. lol. I'm really glad she's here.
So here's what happened... Little PJ was stressed, and had a few days (not consecutive) of listlessness, lethargy, just overall inactivity. Me, being a worry wart, kept 2nd guessing myself as to whether or not I was overreacting and held off going to the hospital. I finally went Wednesday morning, thinking they'd tell me how silly I was, to go home and come back if there were a "real emergency". Well, shame on me - I should've trusted my instincts on being worried days before, because he was having a hard time. Every time I had a contraction, (I was not in labor, just having the occasional contraction) his heart rate would slow down. And he wasn't having any of the normal heart rate spikes of a happy baby, just a slow, steady heart rate. So the doctor decided at 36 weeks, 5 days of gestation that the baby would do much better out rather than in, and that labor was not going to be good for him, and they prepped me for a c-section. Daniel was great, held my hand and talked to me, never peeked around the curtain at the gore on the other side. We heard little PJ's cry together, and shared an eye-locking moment of awe and pure joy. We welcomed him, 3 weeks early, at 17 inches long, 5 pounds, 6.6 ounces. He has a good amount of light brown hair, and eyes are still to be determined. I can say that we all think he looks a lot like his daddy.
I looked, upon first view, for the "downs" in him. Saw it right away, in his eyes. I can say now, 5 days later, I don't see it anymore. I know it's there, and that's fine. I just don't see it. I see the most beautiful baby boy that I have ever seen. I see perfection. I see an angel. I see more love than I have ever been faced with, even having had 2 daughters, whom I dearly love.
I'm bruised and very sore, but starting to feel better. Rebecca cried when she first saw him, saying "oh! He's so beautiful!" She's going to be a great big sister! She's helping out already.
Being early, he's had a few complications with jaundice and body temperature control, but we have an appointment today, Monday, with the pediatrician, and I expect to get a clean bill of health for him. He's feeding wonderfully! He sleeps a lot, which I plan to enjoy while it lasts. And that, my dear friends, is how it happened. I'm going back to bed now. Talk to you soon!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Wow, listen to THIS! (or, read it, rather)
So, my slow butt didn't get to the ringing phone on time, but the caller left a voice mail. It was my ob/gyn, whom I haven't seen in weeks, because I'm "making the rounds", seeing different doctors each visit, which is fine, they're all wonderful.
She says, in her message, that she's reviewing my chart, the ultrasound from Friday, and all the other doctors' notes, and gave me kudos for doing so well. She also said that she's going to be out of town for the next week and a half, and just has a feeling that things will progress while she's gone. Just a feeling, nothing to place bets on, not part of a professional opinion, just a feeling.
It's hard not to mentally engrave THAT in stone, but I am excited, and certainly HOPE her feeling is, in fact, fact!
Keeping my fingers crossed,
Kathy
She says, in her message, that she's reviewing my chart, the ultrasound from Friday, and all the other doctors' notes, and gave me kudos for doing so well. She also said that she's going to be out of town for the next week and a half, and just has a feeling that things will progress while she's gone. Just a feeling, nothing to place bets on, not part of a professional opinion, just a feeling.
It's hard not to mentally engrave THAT in stone, but I am excited, and certainly HOPE her feeling is, in fact, fact!
Keeping my fingers crossed,
Kathy
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
almost 36 weeks done, only 4 to go.
Hi folks, it's been a little while since you've heard from me on my favorite subject, (lol) my baby!! So here goes.
Today was my weekly non-stress test (this is where they put 2 belts around my belly, each with a monitor, one of them monitors the baby's heart beat, and the other monitors uterine activity {contractions} ) Every time I've had one of these tests, the Dr, whoever she might be that week, tells me I have a very happy, healthy, beautiful baby! Makes me feel good. Today was also my first internal check - (this is where the dr puts as much of her hand up in you as is painfully possible, and feels for the thinning and opening of the cervix, and the lowering of the baby.)
Believe me men - it's NOT sexy!
Anyway, none of that has happened for me yet, so although I've thought all along throughout this pregnancy that little PJ would be coming early, I'm starting to have my doubts. I might just have a lazy, hard-headed little man in my life! - hmmm... Wonder who on earth he gets that from? heeheehee.
Anyway, I get to see him every friday, and he does everything he's supposed to. practice breathes, swallows, moves a lot, so everybody at the dr's office is happy with him.
Today was my weekly non-stress test (this is where they put 2 belts around my belly, each with a monitor, one of them monitors the baby's heart beat, and the other monitors uterine activity {contractions} ) Every time I've had one of these tests, the Dr, whoever she might be that week, tells me I have a very happy, healthy, beautiful baby! Makes me feel good. Today was also my first internal check - (this is where the dr puts as much of her hand up in you as is painfully possible, and feels for the thinning and opening of the cervix, and the lowering of the baby.)
Believe me men - it's NOT sexy!
Anyway, none of that has happened for me yet, so although I've thought all along throughout this pregnancy that little PJ would be coming early, I'm starting to have my doubts. I might just have a lazy, hard-headed little man in my life! - hmmm... Wonder who on earth he gets that from? heeheehee.
Anyway, I get to see him every friday, and he does everything he's supposed to. practice breathes, swallows, moves a lot, so everybody at the dr's office is happy with him.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
33 weeks down, 7 to go.
HI folks. I got to see my baby again, I have a few pics, but have to connect the scanner. They've estimated his weight at 4 pounds, 11 ounces. He's still active and doing everything right. The amount of amniotic fluid is now at about the 66th percentile, and the baby is right at about the 50th percentile. extremely average - which for any pregnancy is about as good as you could ask. An extraordinarily large or small baby, or not enough fluid, or too much, would just be cause for additional concern.
The Dr. was very happy with my blood sugar for the week, and is allowing me to fax in my sugars weekly, and have both my weekly visits at my ob/gyn office, which will still consist of the non-stress test early in the week, and an ultrasound later in the week. But it's closer to home, and more convenient, and hopefully not as time consuming. (My appt today was at 8:30, and because of issues - theirs not mine - I didnt get out of there till 11:00)
So, that's where things stand with THAT subject. (I know, it's really all I write about lately)
I'm quite happy it's Friday. I'm of the understanding the one of my employers has purchased the high chair from my registry, and the other one picked up all the snoopy bedding stuff, so things are looking really good for baby supplies.
That's about it from here for now. Have a great weekend!
The Dr. was very happy with my blood sugar for the week, and is allowing me to fax in my sugars weekly, and have both my weekly visits at my ob/gyn office, which will still consist of the non-stress test early in the week, and an ultrasound later in the week. But it's closer to home, and more convenient, and hopefully not as time consuming. (My appt today was at 8:30, and because of issues - theirs not mine - I didnt get out of there till 11:00)
So, that's where things stand with THAT subject. (I know, it's really all I write about lately)
I'm quite happy it's Friday. I'm of the understanding the one of my employers has purchased the high chair from my registry, and the other one picked up all the snoopy bedding stuff, so things are looking really good for baby supplies.
That's about it from here for now. Have a great weekend!
Friday, August 10, 2007
32 weeks down, 8 to go, if I don't pop sooner
Wow.
Can I just say wow? I am floored by what being in the year 2007 can do.
I REALLY got to see my little man today. The 4d ultrasound was AWESOME! I had tears in my eyes the whole time. He's so beautiful! Wait till you see him!
The Doctor's were all gone, and the technician took her time, looking at him. We talked to him, watched him root for his thumb, saw him stick his tongue out, open his mouth. It was just ... WOW.
I can't update you on amniotic fluid, or anything else health wise, but I can tell you my baby looks great!!
Have a look see!
Wow.
Can I just say wow? I am floored by what being in the year 2007 can do.
I REALLY got to see my little man today. The 4d ultrasound was AWESOME! I had tears in my eyes the whole time. He's so beautiful! Wait till you see him!
The Doctor's were all gone, and the technician took her time, looking at him. We talked to him, watched him root for his thumb, saw him stick his tongue out, open his mouth. It was just ... WOW.
I can't update you on amniotic fluid, or anything else health wise, but I can tell you my baby looks great!!
Have a look see!
Wow.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
30 weeks pregnant, read all about it. :o)
30 weeks pregnant, read all about it. :o)
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Life
Hi everyone. Had THREE appointments this week, so here's the run down.
Monday, I had a regular ob/gyn appt, where they weigh you, listen to the baby heartbeat, answer any questions. It was a different doctor, I meet a new one of 4 or 5 each time I go back, so they'll all be familiar with me when it comes time to bring little PJ into the world. The nice thing about this practice is, all the doctors are women.
I've lost almost 4 lbs since the gestational diabetes discovery, and on Thursday, when I went to see the specialist who is monitoring my sugar, I asked him which is worse, stay on the "diet", not get enough calories, (I just can't get down 2100 calories a day of all really really healthy stuff), and continue to lose weight, OR, carbo load once a day, keep my weight steady, and risk having my sugar spike? ( I kind of figured those were my only options), Well, he clearly doesn't want me losing any more weight, but didn't seem to think carbo loading was ok either. Basically, I'm to return to as normal as possible, and watch my sugars, if they spike, figure out what it was that did it, and try to eliminate/substitute that. - uhhh, ok. sure, Doc, I'll get right on that.
Today was a growth tracking ultrasound we got to watch little PJ grab his foot, do some practice breathing, and NEVER NEVER NEVER stop moving, not even for a second! Oh dear God. The ultrasound technician told me his estimated weight is 3 lbs 4 ounces, which I believe is slightly above the norm, but am not certain. And if so, is it due to the diabetes, or genetics?
Next week starts my twice a week monitoring, non stress test at the ob/gyn early in the week, then ultrasound late in the week at the specialist, to monitor growth, practice breathing, movement, etc. - Kind of makes me wish I was salaried and not hourly, you know?
Anyway, here's a pic of him today, I'm thinking it's daniel's nose, which is fine. We'll see.
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Life
Hi everyone. Had THREE appointments this week, so here's the run down.
Monday, I had a regular ob/gyn appt, where they weigh you, listen to the baby heartbeat, answer any questions. It was a different doctor, I meet a new one of 4 or 5 each time I go back, so they'll all be familiar with me when it comes time to bring little PJ into the world. The nice thing about this practice is, all the doctors are women.
I've lost almost 4 lbs since the gestational diabetes discovery, and on Thursday, when I went to see the specialist who is monitoring my sugar, I asked him which is worse, stay on the "diet", not get enough calories, (I just can't get down 2100 calories a day of all really really healthy stuff), and continue to lose weight, OR, carbo load once a day, keep my weight steady, and risk having my sugar spike? ( I kind of figured those were my only options), Well, he clearly doesn't want me losing any more weight, but didn't seem to think carbo loading was ok either. Basically, I'm to return to as normal as possible, and watch my sugars, if they spike, figure out what it was that did it, and try to eliminate/substitute that. - uhhh, ok. sure, Doc, I'll get right on that.
Today was a growth tracking ultrasound we got to watch little PJ grab his foot, do some practice breathing, and NEVER NEVER NEVER stop moving, not even for a second! Oh dear God. The ultrasound technician told me his estimated weight is 3 lbs 4 ounces, which I believe is slightly above the norm, but am not certain. And if so, is it due to the diabetes, or genetics?
Next week starts my twice a week monitoring, non stress test at the ob/gyn early in the week, then ultrasound late in the week at the specialist, to monitor growth, practice breathing, movement, etc. - Kind of makes me wish I was salaried and not hourly, you know?
Anyway, here's a pic of him today, I'm thinking it's daniel's nose, which is fine. We'll see.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A mother's view of a word that wounds
I am not the original author, and don't usually blog someone else's writings, but this, I felt, was a great explanation of why the word "Retard" is just as hurtful and mean as a curse word.
A mother's view of a word that wounds: 'Retard'
By Theresa Howard
You are such a retard.
You've heard the expression. Sometimes it's preceded by an expletive, as in "you're such a f—-ing retard." Either way, with or without the curse word, it's a harsh statement. But one, it seems, that's become increasingly acceptable. So much so that in one recent week I kept track of how many times I heard it and who said it. I heard it daily — whether it was a colleague, a neighbor talking to his dog, an actor from a hit TV show during an interview with me, a top level advertising executive, young men playfully swapping insults or Tony Soprano to his son after a botched suicide attempt.
Last year, the r-word was in the title of a Two and a Half Men episode It's a word that, unlike "pimp" or the n-word, is always derogatory. For reasons that I can't understand, pimp has become synonymous with style. The n-word, for a handful of African-Americans, is a term of endearment — until someone outside the circle uses it. Then it becomes derogatory.
But no matter how or by whom the r-word is used, it's always in a negative context. You don't hear, "What a great idea, that's so retarded." You don't hear, "Awesome catch — what a retard move."
While some are advocating that the n-word be banished from America's lexicon, who is the voice for the 7.5 million Americans with intellectual disabilities who truly are mentally retarded? Who is defending their dignity while everyday folks — educated adults at that — take a term that clinically applies to the disabled and use it as an insult?
What's my fascination with the r-word? I take it very personally. And I'm not a person who is easily offended. I am, however, the mother of a 6-month-old daughter who was born with Down syndrome. Lydia Catherine is sweet. She's got a warm smile and very knowing blue eyes. She's got a subtle little dimple and a tiny tuft of strawberry blonde hair that swirls into one single swoop into the air.
When she looks at me, I feel like she can see all the fears, concerns, doubts and questions that swim around in my heart and my mind every day. Will she be smart enough to know when she hears people say the word "retard" that they are talking about her?
This is not new territory for me. I grew up the sibling of a Down syndrome sister. Catherine Anne was 41 when she passed away four years ago. She was born at a time when "mongolian idiot" was the operative term, and doctors suggested to my parents to leave her behind and she'd be taken care of. It really meant she would have been institutionalized. They didn't listen. Catherine lived with my parents until the day she died.
For as long as I can remember, I corrected people when they said the r-word. I flashed dirty looks to people who stared. I told parents to tell their child that it's not polite. Ever gregarious, Catherine would smile at strangers, many of whom would be so uncomfortable that they didn't know what to do. Even after Catherine passed away, I continued to correct people for a few years. Then I got tired. I no longer felt it was my battle.
Until Dec. 10, when Lydia was born. My journey has begun all over again, this time with me as the mother and my older daughter, Sofia, as the sibling. If I was protective of my sister, I am almost scared of how protective I will be for Lydia and her own sister. But as she grows up in a time when "retard" is a socially acceptable slur, professional organizations are trying to change the clinical term. Last November, the American Association on Mental Retardation changed its name to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Special Olympics is advocating that "retarded" be dropped from the vernacular.
Fixing the terminology is only a start. The bigger issue is acceptance of people with disabilities.
Do your part. Don't stare. Say hello. Be inclusive. And when you want to insult someone's intelligence, remember to use a different word.
Theresa Howard is an advertising reporter for USA TODAY. She lives in Hoboken, N.J., with her husband, Peter Baracskai, and their two girls
A mother's view of a word that wounds: 'Retard'
By Theresa Howard
You are such a retard.
You've heard the expression. Sometimes it's preceded by an expletive, as in "you're such a f—-ing retard." Either way, with or without the curse word, it's a harsh statement. But one, it seems, that's become increasingly acceptable. So much so that in one recent week I kept track of how many times I heard it and who said it. I heard it daily — whether it was a colleague, a neighbor talking to his dog, an actor from a hit TV show during an interview with me, a top level advertising executive, young men playfully swapping insults or Tony Soprano to his son after a botched suicide attempt.
Last year, the r-word was in the title of a Two and a Half Men episode It's a word that, unlike "pimp" or the n-word, is always derogatory. For reasons that I can't understand, pimp has become synonymous with style. The n-word, for a handful of African-Americans, is a term of endearment — until someone outside the circle uses it. Then it becomes derogatory.
But no matter how or by whom the r-word is used, it's always in a negative context. You don't hear, "What a great idea, that's so retarded." You don't hear, "Awesome catch — what a retard move."
While some are advocating that the n-word be banished from America's lexicon, who is the voice for the 7.5 million Americans with intellectual disabilities who truly are mentally retarded? Who is defending their dignity while everyday folks — educated adults at that — take a term that clinically applies to the disabled and use it as an insult?
What's my fascination with the r-word? I take it very personally. And I'm not a person who is easily offended. I am, however, the mother of a 6-month-old daughter who was born with Down syndrome. Lydia Catherine is sweet. She's got a warm smile and very knowing blue eyes. She's got a subtle little dimple and a tiny tuft of strawberry blonde hair that swirls into one single swoop into the air.
When she looks at me, I feel like she can see all the fears, concerns, doubts and questions that swim around in my heart and my mind every day. Will she be smart enough to know when she hears people say the word "retard" that they are talking about her?
This is not new territory for me. I grew up the sibling of a Down syndrome sister. Catherine Anne was 41 when she passed away four years ago. She was born at a time when "mongolian idiot" was the operative term, and doctors suggested to my parents to leave her behind and she'd be taken care of. It really meant she would have been institutionalized. They didn't listen. Catherine lived with my parents until the day she died.
For as long as I can remember, I corrected people when they said the r-word. I flashed dirty looks to people who stared. I told parents to tell their child that it's not polite. Ever gregarious, Catherine would smile at strangers, many of whom would be so uncomfortable that they didn't know what to do. Even after Catherine passed away, I continued to correct people for a few years. Then I got tired. I no longer felt it was my battle.
Until Dec. 10, when Lydia was born. My journey has begun all over again, this time with me as the mother and my older daughter, Sofia, as the sibling. If I was protective of my sister, I am almost scared of how protective I will be for Lydia and her own sister. But as she grows up in a time when "retard" is a socially acceptable slur, professional organizations are trying to change the clinical term. Last November, the American Association on Mental Retardation changed its name to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Special Olympics is advocating that "retarded" be dropped from the vernacular.
Fixing the terminology is only a start. The bigger issue is acceptance of people with disabilities.
Do your part. Don't stare. Say hello. Be inclusive. And when you want to insult someone's intelligence, remember to use a different word.
Theresa Howard is an advertising reporter for USA TODAY. She lives in Hoboken, N.J., with her husband, Peter Baracskai, and their two girls
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Gestational Diabetes
Sorry for being unclear. I was told yesterday that I have gestational diabetes, and the reason for my visit today, was because the specialist's office will be the one monitoring my blood sugar...
Ok, so on to the rest...
For this first week, I've been given a "diet" to follow, and the testing equipment, and must check my blood sugar upon waking, then 2 hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The diet consists of 2100 calories a day, so I for sure will not be hungry, It's just all stuff that's good for me, so I'll still be missing cake, pie, twinkies, stuff like that.
Hopefully, my blood sugar can be controlled by diet alone. If not, they'll start me on pills, and worst case scenario, insulin injections. So.
I can say this... today, after having a very light lunch, of chicken, green beans and yellow squash, I did not get sleepy. There've been days at work where I've had to just put my head down on my desk and power nap for 5-10 minutes because the sleepies had me BAAAAD. I was attributing it to pregnancy. Maybe I was wrong?
Ok, so on to the rest...
For this first week, I've been given a "diet" to follow, and the testing equipment, and must check my blood sugar upon waking, then 2 hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The diet consists of 2100 calories a day, so I for sure will not be hungry, It's just all stuff that's good for me, so I'll still be missing cake, pie, twinkies, stuff like that.
Hopefully, my blood sugar can be controlled by diet alone. If not, they'll start me on pills, and worst case scenario, insulin injections. So.
I can say this... today, after having a very light lunch, of chicken, green beans and yellow squash, I did not get sleepy. There've been days at work where I've had to just put my head down on my desk and power nap for 5-10 minutes because the sleepies had me BAAAAD. I was attributing it to pregnancy. Maybe I was wrong?
Monday, July 2, 2007
SWEET! (not)
Hello friends and family, we'll call this a mini-blog. My ob/gyn office called me to tell me that the 3 hour fasting glucose tolerance test I took last week? I failed. So, I have another appointment, tomorrow morning at the specialist's office, and then ANOTHER appt at the hospital near them for a nutrition class. Apparently the only thing my ob/gyn office does is deliver babies. Every time something "risk" related comes up, they shuffle me off to the specialist's office... which is fine, but I can't figure out why they wouldn't just want me to switch practices. Oh well, I'll ask again tomorrow, and try to get you a real detailed blog, tomorrow evening.
Love you!
Love you!
Monday, June 25, 2007
gimme sum sugar!
I got a call from the ob/gyn's office today and guess what? My glucose is elevated.
So, now I get to do the fasting 3hour blood sugar test at my local hospital. This will be done on Thursday morning. I don't remember from 11 years ago if I get the results right away, or get to wait for another call, so sometime AFTER Thursday am, I'll blog you the results. I don't usually eat breakfast until I get to work, so THAT shouldn't be too hard. I do usually have a cup of coffee (with sugar free creamer) in the morning, and I'll have to skip that on Thursday. RATS. I hope it was a fluke, an after lunch abberration. I really dont want to have diabetes. (who does, right?)
Anyway, I hope you all have a marvelous week!
hugs to all,
Kathy
So, now I get to do the fasting 3hour blood sugar test at my local hospital. This will be done on Thursday morning. I don't remember from 11 years ago if I get the results right away, or get to wait for another call, so sometime AFTER Thursday am, I'll blog you the results. I don't usually eat breakfast until I get to work, so THAT shouldn't be too hard. I do usually have a cup of coffee (with sugar free creamer) in the morning, and I'll have to skip that on Thursday. RATS. I hope it was a fluke, an after lunch abberration. I really dont want to have diabetes. (who does, right?)
Anyway, I hope you all have a marvelous week!
hugs to all,
Kathy
Sunday, June 24, 2007
pregnancy update, 25 weeks tomorrow
Original post - June 21, 2007 - Thursday
pregnancy update, 25 weeks tomorrow
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Hello all, I'll be brief. I had a ob/gyn appt today, all is well, the size of my cervix, hence the baby, is growing, the heart rate was at around 140 bpm, he was doing calesthenics at the moment. I get a 4 week reprieve before I go back, but then it looks like I'll be getting checked weekly, for baby comfort, growth, etc. I had to drink that nasty sweet stuff, and have my blood drawn, but lab was closed, so I'll know in the next few days whether or not I have gestational diabetes. I had it with Rebecca, so I won't be surprised to discover I have it again. I'll let you know. Other than that, aside from the normal pregnancy symptoms, ie, swollen feet and hands, heartburn, constipation, super sleepy, but unable to sleep well, every thing is GOOD.
Love to all,
Kathy
pregnancy update, 25 weeks tomorrow
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Hello all, I'll be brief. I had a ob/gyn appt today, all is well, the size of my cervix, hence the baby, is growing, the heart rate was at around 140 bpm, he was doing calesthenics at the moment. I get a 4 week reprieve before I go back, but then it looks like I'll be getting checked weekly, for baby comfort, growth, etc. I had to drink that nasty sweet stuff, and have my blood drawn, but lab was closed, so I'll know in the next few days whether or not I have gestational diabetes. I had it with Rebecca, so I won't be surprised to discover I have it again. I'll let you know. Other than that, aside from the normal pregnancy symptoms, ie, swollen feet and hands, heartburn, constipation, super sleepy, but unable to sleep well, every thing is GOOD.
Love to all,
Kathy
Some Really Shitty News
Original post - June 18, 2007 - Monday
Some Really Shitty News
Current mood: worried
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Hi friends and family, I'll start this blog by announcing that this one really doesn't have anything to do with the baby, so relax. He seems fine.
My husband started a new job about 3 weeks ago. He left a perfectly good job, because he got the offer of a little more money, and with the baby on the way, felt it would be the smart thing to do. Shortly after starting his new job, (within the first week) he twisted his knee. The project manager was there, saw it happen, and Daniel said he thought he'd be ok, and kept working. The following week, (last week) His knee was swelling and painful (especially on the ladder - which he'd been doing a lot of) So on Thursday, he asked the boss man if he could take the day off, icing and heating his knee, and allowing it a chance to rest. The boss man relented, but made sure that Daniel knew that he (the boss man) was gonna be a dick about workers comp. He told my husband that it was too late to file a workers comp claim, to which Daniel responded, he wasnt looking for a workers comp claim, he wanted to work, and to keep his job, he just was needing to rest the knee (he doesn't have health insurance, cost has always had him taking care of his, me taking care of Becca and I). So, anyway, this morning he goes in and is told he no longer is doing what he was hired to do, but he's now a commercial plumber, and to go to another job site. He called me and I KNEW it had something to do with that knee. Anyway, he went back to the shop after being run up and down a ladder several times, and asked for medical care, at which point he was fired. Although he told the other plumbers he was going back to the shop, the bossman told him that he was fired because he left the job without telling anyone. They told him he hurt himself at home, not at work, and they no longer needed his services. Talk about DIRTY.
So, we're (his attorney) going to the Tennessee Dept of Labor, to attempt to get a workers comp claim opened, and him some medical treatment. The problem is he can't go get a new job, until we have at least a partial resolution with the dirty employer company, I don't know how long this will take. Really bad timing. Although there's probably not ever a GOOD time to be injured. It's gonna be really hard to prepare for a non-paid maternity leave, on one income. I'm not panicking yet, but I'm really really really blue. It's not Daniel's fault, and I'm not mad with him. I'm just worried. you know.
Some Really Shitty News
Current mood: worried
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Hi friends and family, I'll start this blog by announcing that this one really doesn't have anything to do with the baby, so relax. He seems fine.
My husband started a new job about 3 weeks ago. He left a perfectly good job, because he got the offer of a little more money, and with the baby on the way, felt it would be the smart thing to do. Shortly after starting his new job, (within the first week) he twisted his knee. The project manager was there, saw it happen, and Daniel said he thought he'd be ok, and kept working. The following week, (last week) His knee was swelling and painful (especially on the ladder - which he'd been doing a lot of) So on Thursday, he asked the boss man if he could take the day off, icing and heating his knee, and allowing it a chance to rest. The boss man relented, but made sure that Daniel knew that he (the boss man) was gonna be a dick about workers comp. He told my husband that it was too late to file a workers comp claim, to which Daniel responded, he wasnt looking for a workers comp claim, he wanted to work, and to keep his job, he just was needing to rest the knee (he doesn't have health insurance, cost has always had him taking care of his, me taking care of Becca and I). So, anyway, this morning he goes in and is told he no longer is doing what he was hired to do, but he's now a commercial plumber, and to go to another job site. He called me and I KNEW it had something to do with that knee. Anyway, he went back to the shop after being run up and down a ladder several times, and asked for medical care, at which point he was fired. Although he told the other plumbers he was going back to the shop, the bossman told him that he was fired because he left the job without telling anyone. They told him he hurt himself at home, not at work, and they no longer needed his services. Talk about DIRTY.
So, we're (his attorney) going to the Tennessee Dept of Labor, to attempt to get a workers comp claim opened, and him some medical treatment. The problem is he can't go get a new job, until we have at least a partial resolution with the dirty employer company, I don't know how long this will take. Really bad timing. Although there's probably not ever a GOOD time to be injured. It's gonna be really hard to prepare for a non-paid maternity leave, on one income. I'm not panicking yet, but I'm really really really blue. It's not Daniel's fault, and I'm not mad with him. I'm just worried. you know.
Fetal Echocardiogram
Original post June 14, 2007 - Thursday
Fetal Echocardiogram
Current mood: relieved
Ok, so, today was the day. The Dr. was very nice, a fetal heart specialist, and after reviewing the ultrasound and actually being in control of the wand himself for a time, told us that he was unable to find any heart defects. Needless to say, we're very very very pleased.That's a big weight off our shoulders. The baby measures perfectly for his gestation, no change in due date, it continues to be 10/5. He weighs 1 lb, 5 oz.
At this time, knowing what we know, we don't have to make any special delivery plans (meaning c-section), but can assume that as long as things stay good, I'll get to feel pain and push, then be up and around the next day! Not thrilled about the pain, because I'm a big whiney baby,(just ask people who know me) but I've actually done both ways, and believe me, the recovery after a vaginal birth is SOOOO much easier than recovering from a c-section.
I got a few pics, but my scanner wont scan because it wants new printer cartridges - grrr. I'll try to get that done this weekend.
I also asked about moving the remainder of my pregnancy to their office, based on experience, and he said no, really not necessary, would have said yes, had there been concerns about the heart, but no. So all is very rosey right this minute.
Have a very very good night, and upcoming weekend!
Fetal Echocardiogram
Current mood: relieved
Ok, so, today was the day. The Dr. was very nice, a fetal heart specialist, and after reviewing the ultrasound and actually being in control of the wand himself for a time, told us that he was unable to find any heart defects. Needless to say, we're very very very pleased.That's a big weight off our shoulders. The baby measures perfectly for his gestation, no change in due date, it continues to be 10/5. He weighs 1 lb, 5 oz.
At this time, knowing what we know, we don't have to make any special delivery plans (meaning c-section), but can assume that as long as things stay good, I'll get to feel pain and push, then be up and around the next day! Not thrilled about the pain, because I'm a big whiney baby,(just ask people who know me) but I've actually done both ways, and believe me, the recovery after a vaginal birth is SOOOO much easier than recovering from a c-section.
I got a few pics, but my scanner wont scan because it wants new printer cartridges - grrr. I'll try to get that done this weekend.
I also asked about moving the remainder of my pregnancy to their office, based on experience, and he said no, really not necessary, would have said yes, had there been concerns about the heart, but no. So all is very rosey right this minute.
Have a very very good night, and upcoming weekend!
pregnancy update
Original post June 11, 2007 - Monday
pregnancy update
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
It's been over a week, right? And I've had a few requests, so, I'll give you what I've got, which ain't much.
I've been hit with the horrible pregnancy ailment known as ... constipation. I feel like there's a brick sitting inside my pelvic bone. Almost like labor. Hard to be active with a brick in your butt! Catch 22, right? more action less uh, crowding.. Ok, enough of that. You all get the idea, and know what I'm talking about.
Little PJ has been very active. (I THINK - it's only been almost 11 years since I was pregnant) He moves and kicks and Becca felt him a few days ago, and Daniel felt him last night! So I'm getting kidney punched and rib kicked several times every day, and if I wasnt SO excited about this little guy in here, I'd probably be mad about the abuse. LOL.
Thursday morning at 9am is the fetal echocardiogram via ultrasound at the specialist's office, at which time I hope to have the opportunity to ask their opinion as to my continued care at the ob/gyn office I'm currently being seen at. They don't have a lot of experience dealing with a Down Syndrome pregnancy, which I've learned from some of the mommy's in different forums, it's not just the baby, but the whole pregnancy, placenta and all, that has DS. So, I've been patiently waiting for this upcoming opportunity to see what they think. I'll let you all know.
That's pretty much it from here. I hope you all have a great week, and talk to you soon!
pregnancy update
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
It's been over a week, right? And I've had a few requests, so, I'll give you what I've got, which ain't much.
I've been hit with the horrible pregnancy ailment known as ... constipation. I feel like there's a brick sitting inside my pelvic bone. Almost like labor. Hard to be active with a brick in your butt! Catch 22, right? more action less uh, crowding.. Ok, enough of that. You all get the idea, and know what I'm talking about.
Little PJ has been very active. (I THINK - it's only been almost 11 years since I was pregnant) He moves and kicks and Becca felt him a few days ago, and Daniel felt him last night! So I'm getting kidney punched and rib kicked several times every day, and if I wasnt SO excited about this little guy in here, I'd probably be mad about the abuse. LOL.
Thursday morning at 9am is the fetal echocardiogram via ultrasound at the specialist's office, at which time I hope to have the opportunity to ask their opinion as to my continued care at the ob/gyn office I'm currently being seen at. They don't have a lot of experience dealing with a Down Syndrome pregnancy, which I've learned from some of the mommy's in different forums, it's not just the baby, but the whole pregnancy, placenta and all, that has DS. So, I've been patiently waiting for this upcoming opportunity to see what they think. I'll let you all know.
That's pretty much it from here. I hope you all have a great week, and talk to you soon!
Picnic!
Original post June 3, 2007 - Sunday
Picnic!
Current mood: happy
Category: Friends
Today was the DownSyndromeAssociation of Middle Tennessee's annual picnic.
It was held at a water park in Nashville, and I met lots of people, most of whom's names I already forget (chalk it up to Pregnancy brain, that's what I'm blaming it on) I DO remember I met Shelby, from my town (she's on here) and her husband and some of her kids, including little Wills, her sweet angel boy who is SO darling, and sweet sweet sweet.
I met a mommy named Honey (and I can't remember her hubby's name), but they were charming and informative and NICE.
AND I met Anara and her hubby (why can't I remember a husband's name?), and their beautiful babies, Clara and Allan. I LOVED them, and they might be moving to my town, which is fabulous, because Anara is an NICU nurse, on top of being a mommy to a special needs baby, and boy would I love to have her close!! She's the bomb, gave me a bag full of newborn boy clothes. AND she's a sweetheart! Daniel played catch with one of the little boys he met there and Rebecca made friends and went on the water slides. We met Scott, a young man of 23 with DS who enjoys country music and wrestling and he was fun to chat with. Shiela, the director of the association was SO nice, gave me the name and number of a great pediatrician, who cares for a number of the DS babies in the area. All in all, I'm SOOOO glad we went. I'm really tired, it was a HOT sunny day. But worth it. Oh yeah, I forgot (pregnancy brain) my camera. GRRRR. I'm so mad about THAT.
Picnic!
Current mood: happy
Category: Friends
Today was the DownSyndromeAssociation of Middle Tennessee's annual picnic.
It was held at a water park in Nashville, and I met lots of people, most of whom's names I already forget (chalk it up to Pregnancy brain, that's what I'm blaming it on) I DO remember I met Shelby, from my town (she's on here) and her husband and some of her kids, including little Wills, her sweet angel boy who is SO darling, and sweet sweet sweet.
I met a mommy named Honey (and I can't remember her hubby's name), but they were charming and informative and NICE.
AND I met Anara and her hubby (why can't I remember a husband's name?), and their beautiful babies, Clara and Allan. I LOVED them, and they might be moving to my town, which is fabulous, because Anara is an NICU nurse, on top of being a mommy to a special needs baby, and boy would I love to have her close!! She's the bomb, gave me a bag full of newborn boy clothes. AND she's a sweetheart! Daniel played catch with one of the little boys he met there and Rebecca made friends and went on the water slides. We met Scott, a young man of 23 with DS who enjoys country music and wrestling and he was fun to chat with. Shiela, the director of the association was SO nice, gave me the name and number of a great pediatrician, who cares for a number of the DS babies in the area. All in all, I'm SOOOO glad we went. I'm really tired, it was a HOT sunny day. But worth it. Oh yeah, I forgot (pregnancy brain) my camera. GRRRR. I'm so mad about THAT.
Baby Shower
Original post - June 2, 2007 - Saturday
Baby Shower
Current mood: optimistic
Category: Parties and Nightlife
Hello all! for those that will be participating, the date has been set, mark your calendars! August 11. It's a Saturday. I'm not sure of the time yet. I know it seems early, with a due date of October 5th, but there is an increased risk of PJ coming early, so it may not be as early as you'd think. Anyway, if you live in TN, you're invited. Shoot, even if you DONT live in TN, but want to come, come on! The more the merrier! My friends Cory and Helen (purple fairy) are throwing the party and it will be in Hendersonville. Please please please try to come, I worry about attendance.It's co-ed, so don't think just because you're male you're off the hook. Daniel does NOT want to be the only dude there.
Enjoy your weekend!!
Baby Shower
Current mood: optimistic
Category: Parties and Nightlife
Hello all! for those that will be participating, the date has been set, mark your calendars! August 11. It's a Saturday. I'm not sure of the time yet. I know it seems early, with a due date of October 5th, but there is an increased risk of PJ coming early, so it may not be as early as you'd think. Anyway, if you live in TN, you're invited. Shoot, even if you DONT live in TN, but want to come, come on! The more the merrier! My friends Cory and Helen (purple fairy) are throwing the party and it will be in Hendersonville. Please please please try to come, I worry about attendance.It's co-ed, so don't think just because you're male you're off the hook. Daniel does NOT want to be the only dude there.
Enjoy your weekend!!
Pregnancy update
Original post - May 23, 2007 - Wednesday
Pregnancy update
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
Well, I just got home from the Dr's, just the regular 4 week ob/gyn appt, where we talk about stuff, and then listen to little PJ's hearbeat, and measure the uterus. His heart rate is "perfect" says my dr, at 138 beats per minute. Everything else is "status quo". Next ob/gyn appt will be with a different Dr. in the group, 4 weeks from now. From this point forward, I'll see a different Dr. each time (I think there are 4) so that they all know me, for whenever PJ decides to make his appearance, the Dr on call that day will be prepared. No special plans will be made to deliver via cesarian, at this point in time. If as time goes on the baby seems to be "stressed", or they discover heart defects, then the plans will change. The fetal echocardiogram will be scheduled for sometime in approx 3 weeks. So, all is good. I've been attempting to learn and prepare for a baby with Down Syndrome ever since the diagnosis, but I'll never know enough, and I think about the women who find out at birth! I'd have a melt-down in that case for sure. So, the next scheduled news should be after the echocardiogram, which is fancy dr-ese for in-depth amnio at the fetal specialist so they can look at his heart and hopefully find nothing wrong!
Thanks for reading.
Love to all,
Kathy
Pregnancy update
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
Well, I just got home from the Dr's, just the regular 4 week ob/gyn appt, where we talk about stuff, and then listen to little PJ's hearbeat, and measure the uterus. His heart rate is "perfect" says my dr, at 138 beats per minute. Everything else is "status quo". Next ob/gyn appt will be with a different Dr. in the group, 4 weeks from now. From this point forward, I'll see a different Dr. each time (I think there are 4) so that they all know me, for whenever PJ decides to make his appearance, the Dr on call that day will be prepared. No special plans will be made to deliver via cesarian, at this point in time. If as time goes on the baby seems to be "stressed", or they discover heart defects, then the plans will change. The fetal echocardiogram will be scheduled for sometime in approx 3 weeks. So, all is good. I've been attempting to learn and prepare for a baby with Down Syndrome ever since the diagnosis, but I'll never know enough, and I think about the women who find out at birth! I'd have a melt-down in that case for sure. So, the next scheduled news should be after the echocardiogram, which is fancy dr-ese for in-depth amnio at the fetal specialist so they can look at his heart and hopefully find nothing wrong!
Thanks for reading.
Love to all,
Kathy
Little PJ is now registered at Wal-Mart, Target, and Babies R us
original post - May 19, 2007 - Saturday
Little PJ is now registered at Wal-Mart, Target, and Babies R us!
Current mood: content
Category: Parties and Nightlife
Ok, so, I registered for the baby shower, that my best friends Helen and Cory are giving us. The date has not been set yet, but the co-ed shower will be at Cory's house. I've set it up so that anything purchased via the registry will ship to Cory's house, that way, it's a surprise to us for the shower. For those of you that can and want to help, feel free to do so. If you want to but can't, I totally understand, I'm in that position myself, almost always. No pressure, I just wanted to make it as easy as possible. I wasnt going to register at all 3 places, but I kept getting different recommendations from different people. My personal preference is Wal-mart, but maybe some of you don't feel that way. So, if you do want to participate, you have a choice.
As always, thank you to all my friends for your wonderful support and encouragement! It's incredible to me. Such a boost!
You can search under the website for each store, in the baby registry section, under my name kathy barr
Little PJ is now registered at Wal-Mart, Target, and Babies R us!
Current mood: content
Category: Parties and Nightlife
Ok, so, I registered for the baby shower, that my best friends Helen and Cory are giving us. The date has not been set yet, but the co-ed shower will be at Cory's house. I've set it up so that anything purchased via the registry will ship to Cory's house, that way, it's a surprise to us for the shower. For those of you that can and want to help, feel free to do so. If you want to but can't, I totally understand, I'm in that position myself, almost always. No pressure, I just wanted to make it as easy as possible. I wasnt going to register at all 3 places, but I kept getting different recommendations from different people. My personal preference is Wal-mart, but maybe some of you don't feel that way. So, if you do want to participate, you have a choice.
As always, thank you to all my friends for your wonderful support and encouragement! It's incredible to me. Such a boost!
You can search under the website for each store, in the baby registry section, under my name kathy barr
Backs and Forths, Ups and Downs
original post - May 16, 2007 - Wednesday
Backs and Forths, Ups and Downs
Current mood: too many to name
Category: too many to name Life
Well, at nearly 4pm today I got the call with the preliminary results from the amnio. Our son has Down Syndrome. I've had lot's of emotions already, they come and go. I cried first, sad for him, for all that he won't have. Then I was relieved, because, after all, it meant I would have a baby, and he doesn't have one of the chromosomal abnormalities that would kill him. Next I felt guilty. Everybody knows that it's my old ass egg that caused it.
Daniel is super supportive, really excited, already talking about special olympics, and the like.
So that's where we are. I love this baby boy so much, and hope that I can be for him everything he needs from me. I will always share with you the latest, as I get it. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers, You've no idea what it's done for me. Please keep on.
Love,
Kathy
Backs and Forths, Ups and Downs
Current mood: too many to name
Category: too many to name Life
Well, at nearly 4pm today I got the call with the preliminary results from the amnio. Our son has Down Syndrome. I've had lot's of emotions already, they come and go. I cried first, sad for him, for all that he won't have. Then I was relieved, because, after all, it meant I would have a baby, and he doesn't have one of the chromosomal abnormalities that would kill him. Next I felt guilty. Everybody knows that it's my old ass egg that caused it.
Daniel is super supportive, really excited, already talking about special olympics, and the like.
So that's where we are. I love this baby boy so much, and hope that I can be for him everything he needs from me. I will always share with you the latest, as I get it. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers, You've no idea what it's done for me. Please keep on.
Love,
Kathy
Amniocentesis
original post - May 14, 2007 - Monday
Amniocentesis
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
You know, chalk it up to pregnancy brain, old age, too much drugs in my youth, or a combination of all 3, but I don't remember letting you all know that Daniel and I decided to go ahead with the amnio that my ob/gyn AND the fetal specialists have been pushing for. I guess we decided that it's better to know, and this way, if there any special needs, even medically speaking, then we're giving the baby the best chance at survival, by having prepared not only ourselved, but the medical providers.
It's scheduled for tomorrow morning, 9:15am. Apparently there are no restrictions for me for afterward, so assuming I'm not feeling poorly, I'll be going to work afterward. (only restriction: no heavy lifting) The results from the amnio, I understand, aren't immediately available. I believe they take 7-10 days to grow, so I will not likely have any immediate news.
I just wanted you all to know. I know you all care, and will keep us in mind in your way.
Thanks for checking in!
Amniocentesis
Current mood: calm
Category: Life
You know, chalk it up to pregnancy brain, old age, too much drugs in my youth, or a combination of all 3, but I don't remember letting you all know that Daniel and I decided to go ahead with the amnio that my ob/gyn AND the fetal specialists have been pushing for. I guess we decided that it's better to know, and this way, if there any special needs, even medically speaking, then we're giving the baby the best chance at survival, by having prepared not only ourselved, but the medical providers.
It's scheduled for tomorrow morning, 9:15am. Apparently there are no restrictions for me for afterward, so assuming I'm not feeling poorly, I'll be going to work afterward. (only restriction: no heavy lifting) The results from the amnio, I understand, aren't immediately available. I believe they take 7-10 days to grow, so I will not likely have any immediate news.
I just wanted you all to know. I know you all care, and will keep us in mind in your way.
Thanks for checking in!
It is no longer an "It"
Original post - May 7, 2007 - Monday
It is no longer an "It"
Current mood: excited
Category: Life
It's a BOY!! I sort of knew it. I mean, It's a pattern in my family. My OB/GYN told me that it was random, that patterns don't happen by some cosmic order. But, In my family, patterns are REAL. (even if I'm the only one who happens to believe in them) My Grandmother, My mother, My sister, and my oldest daughter have followed the pattern. 2 girls, and 1 boy. Sometimes the boy first, sometimes last, but never in the middle.
The fluid is still there, we saw it. We are standing on faith, all will be fine. The baby will be fine. Anyway, introducing Daniel (not junior, Daniel is junior... Daniel the 3rd)
It is no longer an "It"
Current mood: excited
Category: Life
It's a BOY!! I sort of knew it. I mean, It's a pattern in my family. My OB/GYN told me that it was random, that patterns don't happen by some cosmic order. But, In my family, patterns are REAL. (even if I'm the only one who happens to believe in them) My Grandmother, My mother, My sister, and my oldest daughter have followed the pattern. 2 girls, and 1 boy. Sometimes the boy first, sometimes last, but never in the middle.
The fluid is still there, we saw it. We are standing on faith, all will be fine. The baby will be fine. Anyway, introducing Daniel (not junior, Daniel is junior... Daniel the 3rd)
UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!!
Originally posted April 13, 2007 - Friday
UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!!
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Ok, so it sounds really exciting, right? Well, ummm, it's not. It's not bad, either. Not a whole lot going on, really. Daniel and I thought, since it's 4 weeks between Dr. appts, and that one Doctor had given us so much negativity (your baby might not survive), that in order to have some peace of mind, we'd buy a baby heart monitor, for in between Dr. appts. So, it arrived on Tuesday, and I read the instructions, and used the goo, and searched and searched and searched, and could not find the heart beat. Tried again Wednesday morning, and still nothing. So, I wasn't really in a panic, but I was concerned, so I called the obstetrician's office, and they had me go in so that THEY could check for a heartbeat. They were unable to find it too. But my doctor, without wasting a lot of time searching, rolled in the portable ultrasound machine, and found my baby, heart beating, arms waving. I was so relieved. She told me that early in pregnancy, it's really not a big deal if the heart beat can't be found, the baby is little, and in my case, encased in a whole lot of belly. I'll be able to wait now, until my next appt, which is the 25th. It's just a regular appt, at which time I'll be 17 weeks along, and we'll schedule an in-depth ultrasound for the following week, where they'll do all kinds of measurements, and check for whatever they check for, and very possibly, determine the sex of the baby.
I'm feeling very good, physically, no morning sickness, it's really been a breeze so far. Mentally and emotionally I have moments of sadness and worry, but Daniel and Rebecca are great at talking me through them, and I'm mostly happy. The only other "symptoms" that seem pretty persistant are the really sore/tender boobies, and the energy level is pretty good until around 8:30 pm, at which time I get tired of hearing myself yawn! I've never been a late night person, but lately, once the sun goes down, i'm about done. So, that's it from my little part of the world.
I'll update again whenever there's something more to share, and thanks to every one of you for the love and support. I cherish it, and you.
UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!!
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Ok, so it sounds really exciting, right? Well, ummm, it's not. It's not bad, either. Not a whole lot going on, really. Daniel and I thought, since it's 4 weeks between Dr. appts, and that one Doctor had given us so much negativity (your baby might not survive), that in order to have some peace of mind, we'd buy a baby heart monitor, for in between Dr. appts. So, it arrived on Tuesday, and I read the instructions, and used the goo, and searched and searched and searched, and could not find the heart beat. Tried again Wednesday morning, and still nothing. So, I wasn't really in a panic, but I was concerned, so I called the obstetrician's office, and they had me go in so that THEY could check for a heartbeat. They were unable to find it too. But my doctor, without wasting a lot of time searching, rolled in the portable ultrasound machine, and found my baby, heart beating, arms waving. I was so relieved. She told me that early in pregnancy, it's really not a big deal if the heart beat can't be found, the baby is little, and in my case, encased in a whole lot of belly. I'll be able to wait now, until my next appt, which is the 25th. It's just a regular appt, at which time I'll be 17 weeks along, and we'll schedule an in-depth ultrasound for the following week, where they'll do all kinds of measurements, and check for whatever they check for, and very possibly, determine the sex of the baby.
I'm feeling very good, physically, no morning sickness, it's really been a breeze so far. Mentally and emotionally I have moments of sadness and worry, but Daniel and Rebecca are great at talking me through them, and I'm mostly happy. The only other "symptoms" that seem pretty persistant are the really sore/tender boobies, and the energy level is pretty good until around 8:30 pm, at which time I get tired of hearing myself yawn! I've never been a late night person, but lately, once the sun goes down, i'm about done. So, that's it from my little part of the world.
I'll update again whenever there's something more to share, and thanks to every one of you for the love and support. I cherish it, and you.
Play the Hand You're Dealt
Originally posted March 28, 2007 - Wednesday
Play the Hand You're Dealt
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
Hello Friends,
Once again, I miss you. My job is busy, and there isn't any "goof off on the internet time". It's a hard adjustment to make, but please know that as I can, I'll stop by and love you some.
Monday was the "early screen", which is an ultrasound done for women at about 12 weeks of pregnancy, when they are over 35, because of the additional risks to baby. The have to do it at that early stage, because you can still see inside the baby, because the skin is still somewhat translucent. The actual test is called "nucal translucency screen" because it has to do with the neck of the baby. Apparently, as I've come to learn, when a child has a chromosomal defect, (most common being Downs Syndrome) there will be extra fluid around the neck, and they can measure it, only at this early stage, because of the ability to see it with an ultrasound.
Occasionally, a baby will have more than the normal amount of fluid, and NOT have anything out of the ordinary wrong with it. My baby has the extra fluid. We were rushed off to a fetal specialist for a consult on monday, at which time a very nice doctor advised us that there's a 40-50% chance that our baby has a chromosomal defect, and in fact, there's a chance the baby may not even survive. I spent the rest of the day weeping. Not for a "normal child", but for a child at all. I was crushed to know that my baby may not even make it. My brother in law brought it to my attention the next day on the phone, that if there's a 40-50% chance of a chromosome problem, then there's a 50-60% chance that there ISN'T one. It's possible that my baby will make it. The specialist talked us into a procedure similar to an amniocentesis called CVS, where they go into the uterus, very near the baby, and pluck a tiny piece of placenta to test for downs, and other things. There's a risk of miscarriage, 1 in 200. We did the test, and the Dr. was unable to get a viable sample, and did not want to further risk the baby, so he stopped, and offered an amniocentesis in 3 weeks time. Daniel and I have talked about it, and have agreed, we won't endanger the baby again. It is what it is, and we'll love it if we can just have it. I have a friend who had a Downs child, and I distinctly remember telling him how God only chose very special people to deal with such loving children. I meant it, I wasn't stroking his ego. I remember at that time, that I knew I could NEVER handle a special needs child, I'm too selfish. Well, I may be learning some new lessons on love and selflessness.
Everything will be what it will be, which is still unknown at this time, but I do have hope. I would ask all of my friends to bless us, however you choose to do so; in prayer, positive thinking, candle lighting, meditation, whatever. Daniel and I are sure of one thing, for us, It's a baby, not a choice.
Play the Hand You're Dealt
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
Hello Friends,
Once again, I miss you. My job is busy, and there isn't any "goof off on the internet time". It's a hard adjustment to make, but please know that as I can, I'll stop by and love you some.
Monday was the "early screen", which is an ultrasound done for women at about 12 weeks of pregnancy, when they are over 35, because of the additional risks to baby. The have to do it at that early stage, because you can still see inside the baby, because the skin is still somewhat translucent. The actual test is called "nucal translucency screen" because it has to do with the neck of the baby. Apparently, as I've come to learn, when a child has a chromosomal defect, (most common being Downs Syndrome) there will be extra fluid around the neck, and they can measure it, only at this early stage, because of the ability to see it with an ultrasound.
Occasionally, a baby will have more than the normal amount of fluid, and NOT have anything out of the ordinary wrong with it. My baby has the extra fluid. We were rushed off to a fetal specialist for a consult on monday, at which time a very nice doctor advised us that there's a 40-50% chance that our baby has a chromosomal defect, and in fact, there's a chance the baby may not even survive. I spent the rest of the day weeping. Not for a "normal child", but for a child at all. I was crushed to know that my baby may not even make it. My brother in law brought it to my attention the next day on the phone, that if there's a 40-50% chance of a chromosome problem, then there's a 50-60% chance that there ISN'T one. It's possible that my baby will make it. The specialist talked us into a procedure similar to an amniocentesis called CVS, where they go into the uterus, very near the baby, and pluck a tiny piece of placenta to test for downs, and other things. There's a risk of miscarriage, 1 in 200. We did the test, and the Dr. was unable to get a viable sample, and did not want to further risk the baby, so he stopped, and offered an amniocentesis in 3 weeks time. Daniel and I have talked about it, and have agreed, we won't endanger the baby again. It is what it is, and we'll love it if we can just have it. I have a friend who had a Downs child, and I distinctly remember telling him how God only chose very special people to deal with such loving children. I meant it, I wasn't stroking his ego. I remember at that time, that I knew I could NEVER handle a special needs child, I'm too selfish. Well, I may be learning some new lessons on love and selflessness.
Everything will be what it will be, which is still unknown at this time, but I do have hope. I would ask all of my friends to bless us, however you choose to do so; in prayer, positive thinking, candle lighting, meditation, whatever. Daniel and I are sure of one thing, for us, It's a baby, not a choice.
Kathy's new ride!
Originally posted March 25, 2007 - Sunday
Kathy's new ride!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Automotive
Hello my peeps! I hope that you all are having as lovely a weekend as I am. Even though most of my day was spent on the road yesterday, it was definately worth it! I got my new car. It's an '05 Pontiac Montana. It's got quite a few bells and whistles, and honestly, in my life time I have never had a car that did. I ALWAYS had to choose "economical", "gas conservative", "low payments", etc, etc, and usually ended up with a car that got me places, but wasn't, "special". Daniel insisted I have it this time, and I relented. The payments are reasonable, thanks to my mom, who I love anyway, but she really hung the moon for us on this one.
Kathy's new ride!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Automotive
Hello my peeps! I hope that you all are having as lovely a weekend as I am. Even though most of my day was spent on the road yesterday, it was definately worth it! I got my new car. It's an '05 Pontiac Montana. It's got quite a few bells and whistles, and honestly, in my life time I have never had a car that did. I ALWAYS had to choose "economical", "gas conservative", "low payments", etc, etc, and usually ended up with a car that got me places, but wasn't, "special". Daniel insisted I have it this time, and I relented. The payments are reasonable, thanks to my mom, who I love anyway, but she really hung the moon for us on this one.
I've been Traded!
Originally posted March 15, 2007 - Thursday
I've been Traded!
Current mood: frustrated
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I'm still not sure how all of this will play out, but I need to tell you what's up in the job dept. lately. I've been with this firm for just over 3 years. On Tuesday, my boss tells me I'm being "lent" to a friend of his, a Dr., who also happens to run an Emergency Room Physicians Group, more than one, in fact. Basically he owns the doctors who work the Emergency Room at a certain hospital. (he doesn't really own them, this I know, but for simplicity of explanation, indulge me, ok?) He also has administrative staff, to keep track of the records for billing purposes, among other things, I am sure. So, my lawyer boss tells me I am NOT being laid off, and not to freak out, it's a way for his friend who is in need of a "good worker" to benefit, for me to benefit, as this Dr. fellow will pay me significantly more per hour to work for him, and my law firm to benefit, because right now, for this particular firm, business is slow and there's not a lot of income at this particular time.
I'm being "lent" because of my current "eating for two" status. My boss thinks enough about me to show me as a continued employee of the company in order for me NOT to lose my insurance benefits in this critical time.
I'm working "on site" at a hospital, even farther than what I was already driving, which is fine, if my car survives, part of the hospital policy for employees is to have a TB (tuberculosis) skin test, no biggie, except I know that I was exposed over 20 years ago, on my honeymoon in marriage number one, when we went to Honduras, and have tested positive ever since. I don't have TB. I guess I am at a greater risk than most, however of getting it because I was exposed at some time. So the way to prove I don't have TB is with a clear lung x-ray, which I don't happen to have a current one on file anywhere. I understand hospitals have rules, like anyone else. ... I am 11 weeks pregnant, however, and not really wanting to subject my baby to any unnecessary radiation. I am placing a call to my obstetrician this morning to ask her opinion. I did some online research, and it looks like it's probably safe, but I'm really not excited about it, you know? It appears I will have no internet access, so my time with you will be even shorter than before, please understand, it's not by my choice. So, being the suspicious natured person I am, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, I'll keep you up to date as things progress.
I've been Traded!
Current mood: frustrated
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I'm still not sure how all of this will play out, but I need to tell you what's up in the job dept. lately. I've been with this firm for just over 3 years. On Tuesday, my boss tells me I'm being "lent" to a friend of his, a Dr., who also happens to run an Emergency Room Physicians Group, more than one, in fact. Basically he owns the doctors who work the Emergency Room at a certain hospital. (he doesn't really own them, this I know, but for simplicity of explanation, indulge me, ok?) He also has administrative staff, to keep track of the records for billing purposes, among other things, I am sure. So, my lawyer boss tells me I am NOT being laid off, and not to freak out, it's a way for his friend who is in need of a "good worker" to benefit, for me to benefit, as this Dr. fellow will pay me significantly more per hour to work for him, and my law firm to benefit, because right now, for this particular firm, business is slow and there's not a lot of income at this particular time.
I'm being "lent" because of my current "eating for two" status. My boss thinks enough about me to show me as a continued employee of the company in order for me NOT to lose my insurance benefits in this critical time.
I'm working "on site" at a hospital, even farther than what I was already driving, which is fine, if my car survives, part of the hospital policy for employees is to have a TB (tuberculosis) skin test, no biggie, except I know that I was exposed over 20 years ago, on my honeymoon in marriage number one, when we went to Honduras, and have tested positive ever since. I don't have TB. I guess I am at a greater risk than most, however of getting it because I was exposed at some time. So the way to prove I don't have TB is with a clear lung x-ray, which I don't happen to have a current one on file anywhere. I understand hospitals have rules, like anyone else. ... I am 11 weeks pregnant, however, and not really wanting to subject my baby to any unnecessary radiation. I am placing a call to my obstetrician this morning to ask her opinion. I did some online research, and it looks like it's probably safe, but I'm really not excited about it, you know? It appears I will have no internet access, so my time with you will be even shorter than before, please understand, it's not by my choice. So, being the suspicious natured person I am, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, I'll keep you up to date as things progress.
How good it feels to be home
Originally posted March 12, 2007 - Monday
How good it feels to be home
Category: Writing and Poetry
Coming home on the most beautiful day,
To the arms of those that love me.
Knowing that I belong to my family,
and that they belong to me,
that I am needed, as much as I need them.
This is the kind of joy that brings tears with unending smiles.
I am home, I am happy, I am complete.
How good it feels to be home
Category: Writing and Poetry
Coming home on the most beautiful day,
To the arms of those that love me.
Knowing that I belong to my family,
and that they belong to me,
that I am needed, as much as I need them.
This is the kind of joy that brings tears with unending smiles.
I am home, I am happy, I am complete.
update on mom, and other things
Originally posted March 6, 2007 - Tuesday
update on mom, and other things
Current mood: content
Category: Life
I wish there was a blog category named "family"
Ok, I've been here at my mom's in Raleigh NC, since Saturday, and will be here until Monday morning, when I will joyfully return home to my daughter Rebecca and my husband Daniel. I miss them so much.
Mom is doing very well, I was finally able to get her first physical therapy appointment scheduled for this Thursday, so I am hoping for even more improvement. She came home from the rehab center on Sunday, and is doing very very well. To all my friends who have prayed for her, thank you so much. She still needs a walker to walk, but has very little pain, for having had steel rods drilled into her spine. I'm very very pleased with how her recovery is going, and she is happy too. This is the 2nd surgery that she's had in the same location, and the last recovery was horrible.
I am loving being pregnant, so far very few symptoms of pregnancy, other than my breasts aching all the time, and emotional crying jags every now and again. Rebecca is thrilled that she will be a big sister, finally. Isn't it odd that I seem to have a child once every 11 years? 1985, 1996 and 2007. Very, very strange to me, kind of reinforces my theory on patterns. If it holds true, (my random pattern theory) This baby will be a boy. My grandmother, my mother, my sister AND my daughter have had 2 girls and a boy. I was holding steady at 2 girls.
So, there you have my blog update, Oh!! Please take a look at my new layout. Am missing being home, but mom is loving having me here, and she is excited about the news of our growing family.
hugs and love to all!
Kathy
update on mom, and other things
Current mood: content
Category: Life
I wish there was a blog category named "family"
Ok, I've been here at my mom's in Raleigh NC, since Saturday, and will be here until Monday morning, when I will joyfully return home to my daughter Rebecca and my husband Daniel. I miss them so much.
Mom is doing very well, I was finally able to get her first physical therapy appointment scheduled for this Thursday, so I am hoping for even more improvement. She came home from the rehab center on Sunday, and is doing very very well. To all my friends who have prayed for her, thank you so much. She still needs a walker to walk, but has very little pain, for having had steel rods drilled into her spine. I'm very very pleased with how her recovery is going, and she is happy too. This is the 2nd surgery that she's had in the same location, and the last recovery was horrible.
I am loving being pregnant, so far very few symptoms of pregnancy, other than my breasts aching all the time, and emotional crying jags every now and again. Rebecca is thrilled that she will be a big sister, finally. Isn't it odd that I seem to have a child once every 11 years? 1985, 1996 and 2007. Very, very strange to me, kind of reinforces my theory on patterns. If it holds true, (my random pattern theory) This baby will be a boy. My grandmother, my mother, my sister AND my daughter have had 2 girls and a boy. I was holding steady at 2 girls.
So, there you have my blog update, Oh!! Please take a look at my new layout. Am missing being home, but mom is loving having me here, and she is excited about the news of our growing family.
hugs and love to all!
Kathy
"No Shit" "What the Hell were You Thinking" & "Shut the F_ _ _ Up"
Originally posted March 1, 2007 - Thursday
"No Shit" "What the Hell were You Thinking" & "Shut the F_ _ _ Up"
Current mood: shocked
Category: Life
Those were some of the responses we've gotten since yesterday, as, one by one, we started sharing the news, "Kathy & Daniel are going to have a baby".
Crazy huh? I've been reluctant to spread the news, it's very early, and as anyone can see by my profile data, I'm getting up there. Also, being a woman, it's part of who I am to worry, about things I have no control over.
So, anyway, I was thinking that I couldn't get pregnant, that's what I was thinking. Clearly, I was wrong.
I just found out yesterday morning with the EPT, and called the obstetrician and was able to get in there today. Nowadays, a positive EPT is as good as gospel, but to confirm, they rolled in this ultrasound machine, and took a snap of my little peanut. Here he or she is, ladies and gents, Baby Barr.....
"No Shit" "What the Hell were You Thinking" & "Shut the F_ _ _ Up"
Current mood: shocked
Category: Life
Those were some of the responses we've gotten since yesterday, as, one by one, we started sharing the news, "Kathy & Daniel are going to have a baby".
Crazy huh? I've been reluctant to spread the news, it's very early, and as anyone can see by my profile data, I'm getting up there. Also, being a woman, it's part of who I am to worry, about things I have no control over.
So, anyway, I was thinking that I couldn't get pregnant, that's what I was thinking. Clearly, I was wrong.
I just found out yesterday morning with the EPT, and called the obstetrician and was able to get in there today. Nowadays, a positive EPT is as good as gospel, but to confirm, they rolled in this ultrasound machine, and took a snap of my little peanut. Here he or she is, ladies and gents, Baby Barr.....
Back Surgery
Originally posted February 22, 2007 - Thursday
Back Surgery
Current mood: distressed
Category: Life
My mom had back surgery two days ago. Mom is 66 years old, lives alone since my dad passed away, 7 years ago. Mom lives in NC, as most of you know. I'll be going down there coincident with her release from rehab, (hopefully) in about a week and a half. I'll be there a week and a half, then my brother Ray will be there for a few weeks. I hate not being there for this. My daughter Danyse is doing all that she can, but she's young and has babies at home and cannot be there as much as we'd all like her to be. It's so hard to be "hands-on" on the phone, the nurses won't tell me anything, I haven't heard from the surgeon. I did leave a voice mail for the surgeon a little bit ago, hopefully I'll hear from him and get the reassurance that I need that she's going to be ok. Mom's been running a fever and now something about red blood cell count down, may need a transfusion, blah blah blah. I guess I'm just whining, because I feel like I should be there, taking care of her, not here, moaning to you all. Thanks for listening, and for sending any positivity that you can, my way, and hers.
much love,
kathy
Back Surgery
Current mood: distressed
Category: Life
My mom had back surgery two days ago. Mom is 66 years old, lives alone since my dad passed away, 7 years ago. Mom lives in NC, as most of you know. I'll be going down there coincident with her release from rehab, (hopefully) in about a week and a half. I'll be there a week and a half, then my brother Ray will be there for a few weeks. I hate not being there for this. My daughter Danyse is doing all that she can, but she's young and has babies at home and cannot be there as much as we'd all like her to be. It's so hard to be "hands-on" on the phone, the nurses won't tell me anything, I haven't heard from the surgeon. I did leave a voice mail for the surgeon a little bit ago, hopefully I'll hear from him and get the reassurance that I need that she's going to be ok. Mom's been running a fever and now something about red blood cell count down, may need a transfusion, blah blah blah. I guess I'm just whining, because I feel like I should be there, taking care of her, not here, moaning to you all. Thanks for listening, and for sending any positivity that you can, my way, and hers.
much love,
kathy
Tuesday Blues (feels like a monday)
Originally posted February 20, 2007 - Tuesday
Tuesday Blues (feels like a monday)
Current mood: amused
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Hi, all! Ok. So, I've been scarce, right? I'm actually working, pretty hard. Apparently it has come to the attention of my fine employers that I've been having more fun on myspace than is acceptable to them.
I do understand the simple, basic concept, they pay me to work, I should work.
I'll be around less, but don't hate the player, hate the game! (lol) I still am luvin' all y'all mentally, if not comment-ally. (Oh, god, I'm on a roll!)
Have a great week!
Love to all, hugs to most, kisses to a select few, and tickles to about 3 of you, and you know who you are!!
Tuesday Blues (feels like a monday)
Current mood: amused
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Hi, all! Ok. So, I've been scarce, right? I'm actually working, pretty hard. Apparently it has come to the attention of my fine employers that I've been having more fun on myspace than is acceptable to them.
I do understand the simple, basic concept, they pay me to work, I should work.
I'll be around less, but don't hate the player, hate the game! (lol) I still am luvin' all y'all mentally, if not comment-ally. (Oh, god, I'm on a roll!)
Have a great week!
Love to all, hugs to most, kisses to a select few, and tickles to about 3 of you, and you know who you are!!
Long Lost Friends
Originally posted February 13, 2007 - Tuesday
Long Lost Friends
Current mood: peaceful
Category: Friends
I have a beautiful story to share, at least, the way it touches MY heart, makes it beautiful to me. I had a best friend, back between my ages 10-12. She was a few years older than I, and I SO looked up to her. We lived in a small apartment complex in Southern California, and for a time, we were inseperable. She and I were both "fatherless" in the sense that our parents were divorced, and we were so close. We got in lots and lots of trouble together, as kids do. Her mom ended up moving to another town, and naturally, that was pretty much the end of that. I saw her I think twice, in a short period of time after that, once, I actually boarded a bus and rode for a few hours to get to her house to visit with her, and then once again, a few years later after she had married, and was having a baby shower. That was it. Life took over, and we lost touch. I think about her often, forgetting more than I remember. I have, over the years, in this internet age, done searches for her, but never found anything. Until last week. You know how in your home page in Myspace, they are filling up the part above your friends with little advertisements? Well, one day last week I clicked on a link that advertised finding people. With that link I found the city and state that she lived in. Then I did a myspace search in that zip code, didn't find her, but I did find a couple of her now adult children, (lucky for me, I remembered their names!) I wrote to them, giving them enough facts about their mom so they wouldnt think I was some wierdo stalker, and they communicated with her, and now, we are emailing, she doesn't have a myspace page, YET, but I'm working on her. It has been SO much fun catching up. I have the kind of personality who does better with one really good friend at a time. She was my best ever friend in the world, and I truly loved her like a sister. I have this really great feeling of peace, because of this recent find, and am happy. She lives on the other side of the country, so I don't know when I'll get to see her, but for now, it's enough. It's so much more than it's been all these years, I'm feeling very lucky, very satisfied.
Long Lost Friends
Current mood: peaceful
Category: Friends
I have a beautiful story to share, at least, the way it touches MY heart, makes it beautiful to me. I had a best friend, back between my ages 10-12. She was a few years older than I, and I SO looked up to her. We lived in a small apartment complex in Southern California, and for a time, we were inseperable. She and I were both "fatherless" in the sense that our parents were divorced, and we were so close. We got in lots and lots of trouble together, as kids do. Her mom ended up moving to another town, and naturally, that was pretty much the end of that. I saw her I think twice, in a short period of time after that, once, I actually boarded a bus and rode for a few hours to get to her house to visit with her, and then once again, a few years later after she had married, and was having a baby shower. That was it. Life took over, and we lost touch. I think about her often, forgetting more than I remember. I have, over the years, in this internet age, done searches for her, but never found anything. Until last week. You know how in your home page in Myspace, they are filling up the part above your friends with little advertisements? Well, one day last week I clicked on a link that advertised finding people. With that link I found the city and state that she lived in. Then I did a myspace search in that zip code, didn't find her, but I did find a couple of her now adult children, (lucky for me, I remembered their names!) I wrote to them, giving them enough facts about their mom so they wouldnt think I was some wierdo stalker, and they communicated with her, and now, we are emailing, she doesn't have a myspace page, YET, but I'm working on her. It has been SO much fun catching up. I have the kind of personality who does better with one really good friend at a time. She was my best ever friend in the world, and I truly loved her like a sister. I have this really great feeling of peace, because of this recent find, and am happy. She lives on the other side of the country, so I don't know when I'll get to see her, but for now, it's enough. It's so much more than it's been all these years, I'm feeling very lucky, very satisfied.
3 years, 3 days
Originally posted February 7, 2007 - Wednesday
3 years, 3 days
Current mood: discontent
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I've been an employee at this current job for 3 years and 3 days. I was hired to start on February 4, 2004. It's a great job, great employers. Family run law firm. 2 of of the 3 brothers are lawyers and the other brother is the office manager. They are all my bosses, since the firm has their name. They are really great guys, all of them. Extremely laid back, which is why it's been so easy to stay on here. Really not too much stress, generally. It just hit me this morning that I've been here 3 years and 3 days. I know here and there I blog about returning to NC. Today I feel like I could walk into one of 3 different offices and give notice, and have my stuff packed and be gone 2 weeks from now. I won't, it's not how I do things, normally. I'm just really tired, I guess, of being here. Sorry to whine, but hey, I'm a female, and we do this sometimes.
Again, I wish I was a kid again, able to just do what I'm told, leaving the big decisions for someone older and wiser. Being a grown up is not so easy sometimes.
3 years, 3 days
Current mood: discontent
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
I've been an employee at this current job for 3 years and 3 days. I was hired to start on February 4, 2004. It's a great job, great employers. Family run law firm. 2 of of the 3 brothers are lawyers and the other brother is the office manager. They are all my bosses, since the firm has their name. They are really great guys, all of them. Extremely laid back, which is why it's been so easy to stay on here. Really not too much stress, generally. It just hit me this morning that I've been here 3 years and 3 days. I know here and there I blog about returning to NC. Today I feel like I could walk into one of 3 different offices and give notice, and have my stuff packed and be gone 2 weeks from now. I won't, it's not how I do things, normally. I'm just really tired, I guess, of being here. Sorry to whine, but hey, I'm a female, and we do this sometimes.
Again, I wish I was a kid again, able to just do what I'm told, leaving the big decisions for someone older and wiser. Being a grown up is not so easy sometimes.
new me, week 15
Originally posted January 29, 2007 - Monday
new me, week 15
Current mood: aggravated
Category: Life
OK, I'm re-doing this report, I just tried to post, and the page disappeared.
I'll cut to the chase. I gained a pound. I ate pizza twice, and did not exercise. I'm mad at myself.
I wont continually post negative results, which means I may not post next monday, at least about this subject. I'm not sure, but maybe I just need a break from the diet. I will get back to it, I'm just not sure when. I am packing a nice healthy, lo-cal lunch for me today, so we'll see how I do.
new me, week 15
Current mood: aggravated
Category: Life
OK, I'm re-doing this report, I just tried to post, and the page disappeared.
I'll cut to the chase. I gained a pound. I ate pizza twice, and did not exercise. I'm mad at myself.
I wont continually post negative results, which means I may not post next monday, at least about this subject. I'm not sure, but maybe I just need a break from the diet. I will get back to it, I'm just not sure when. I am packing a nice healthy, lo-cal lunch for me today, so we'll see how I do.
New Me, week 14 (17 since the beginning)
originally posted January 22, 2007 - Monday
New Me, week 14 (17 since the beginning)
Current mood: annoyed
Category: Life
Good Morning All, and Happy Monday!
Well, here I am, back again, confessing failures and shortcomings... (story of my life). I learned something this week, once you allow the IDGAFs to get a foot-hold, they are quite difficult to shake (IDGAF = from last week's blog, I Don't Give a Fu*k) They haven't completely taken over, and I'm TRYING to get it back together, but I spent the whole week cheating, not over-eating, just not eating the right lo-cal foods. I managed to pull it out at the very end, and lost one pound, bringing my weight loss to a grand total of 40 lbs. I'm happy about the 40, very... I need an attitude adjustment , though, to get back "in the zone".
It's a lot harder when your spouse isn't really doing it with you. I know, ultimately it's my body, my health, and my responsibility. I do know all of this.
Anyway, I wish I could say that for sure, without a doubt, this week WILL be better, but I don't want to make myself a liar. I'm trying, I feel good. That's the best I can do, for now.
Hugs to all!
New Me, week 14 (17 since the beginning)
Current mood: annoyed
Category: Life
Good Morning All, and Happy Monday!
Well, here I am, back again, confessing failures and shortcomings... (story of my life). I learned something this week, once you allow the IDGAFs to get a foot-hold, they are quite difficult to shake (IDGAF = from last week's blog, I Don't Give a Fu*k) They haven't completely taken over, and I'm TRYING to get it back together, but I spent the whole week cheating, not over-eating, just not eating the right lo-cal foods. I managed to pull it out at the very end, and lost one pound, bringing my weight loss to a grand total of 40 lbs. I'm happy about the 40, very... I need an attitude adjustment , though, to get back "in the zone".
It's a lot harder when your spouse isn't really doing it with you. I know, ultimately it's my body, my health, and my responsibility. I do know all of this.
Anyway, I wish I could say that for sure, without a doubt, this week WILL be better, but I don't want to make myself a liar. I'm trying, I feel good. That's the best I can do, for now.
Hugs to all!
New Me, week 13 (16 since the beginning)
Originally posted January 15, 2007 - Monday
New Me, week 13 (16 since the beginning)
Current mood: amused
Category: Life
Happy Monday everyone! Not much to report, I did a little cheating last week, and since I haven't done any exercising (aside from the bowling) since leaving for vacation, I did not lose any weight. I didn't gain any, either, thankfully. I guess I just got a little over confident, and a small case of the "I don't give a fuc*'s". Weight loss to date 39 lbs. Am back on track, got on the weight bench this morning for a few sets, and a couple sets of crunches. I'm not stopping, just had a lull, one of my own making. The Ice Cream and fried foods were great! But now I'm back to it. I hope you all have a great week!!
Much much love,
Kathy
New Me, week 13 (16 since the beginning)
Current mood: amused
Category: Life
Happy Monday everyone! Not much to report, I did a little cheating last week, and since I haven't done any exercising (aside from the bowling) since leaving for vacation, I did not lose any weight. I didn't gain any, either, thankfully. I guess I just got a little over confident, and a small case of the "I don't give a fuc*'s". Weight loss to date 39 lbs. Am back on track, got on the weight bench this morning for a few sets, and a couple sets of crunches. I'm not stopping, just had a lull, one of my own making. The Ice Cream and fried foods were great! But now I'm back to it. I hope you all have a great week!!
Much much love,
Kathy
New Me, in the new year
Originally posted January 8, 2007 - Monday
New Me, in the new year
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Life
Good morning to all and happy new year! It's been what, 3 weeks since I reported my diet progress? (yes, I just checked). ok. so. 3 weeks. almost 1/2 of that 3 weeks was spent out of town, at mom's, daniel's mom's, daniel's dad's, and they all fed us, and fed us well. Although I was OFF my diet, I was more conservative in my eating than in past years. I didn't go to the candy dish, which mom always keeps full at Christmas time. Any way, when I got home, I weighed, and I had gained one pound. I was ecstatic, to say the least. Now that it's back to monday morning, I weighed again and have lost the one I gained, plus two more, So, since last report, i'm down 3 additional pounds, bringing my total to 39 pounds in 12 weeks of trying. (I excluded the 3 weeks of NOT trying. But it's 15 weeks since I began reporting. So anyway, I'm very very happy. I'm not thin, I still have many many pounds to lose, but I am going strong.
Love to all,
Kathy
New Me, in the new year
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Life
Good morning to all and happy new year! It's been what, 3 weeks since I reported my diet progress? (yes, I just checked). ok. so. 3 weeks. almost 1/2 of that 3 weeks was spent out of town, at mom's, daniel's mom's, daniel's dad's, and they all fed us, and fed us well. Although I was OFF my diet, I was more conservative in my eating than in past years. I didn't go to the candy dish, which mom always keeps full at Christmas time. Any way, when I got home, I weighed, and I had gained one pound. I was ecstatic, to say the least. Now that it's back to monday morning, I weighed again and have lost the one I gained, plus two more, So, since last report, i'm down 3 additional pounds, bringing my total to 39 pounds in 12 weeks of trying. (I excluded the 3 weeks of NOT trying. But it's 15 weeks since I began reporting. So anyway, I'm very very happy. I'm not thin, I still have many many pounds to lose, but I am going strong.
Love to all,
Kathy
New Me, Week 11 Results
Originally posted December 18, 2006 - Monday
New Me, Week 11 Results
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Hello One and All !! Merry Christmas, if I don't get a chance to stop by and leave some Christmas love on your page, don't hold it against me, If you are a grown-up with children, you know how wonderfully busy it gets for us this time of year.
I was able to shave off (not literally) another 2 lbs last week, bringing me to a total of 36 pounds lost in 11 weeks. I am so happy, considering the fact that Daniel and I, while Christmas shopping on Saturday, (from 7:00a.m. to 1:00pm) got very hungry around 11:00am and stopped at Golden Corral in Franklin, for the breakfast buffet. (shame shame shame) it was yummy, but i had to work extra hard for the rest of the weekend to reverse saturday's damage. All in All, I'm a happy happy girl. Love to all,
Kathy
New Me, Week 11 Results
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Hello One and All !! Merry Christmas, if I don't get a chance to stop by and leave some Christmas love on your page, don't hold it against me, If you are a grown-up with children, you know how wonderfully busy it gets for us this time of year.
I was able to shave off (not literally) another 2 lbs last week, bringing me to a total of 36 pounds lost in 11 weeks. I am so happy, considering the fact that Daniel and I, while Christmas shopping on Saturday, (from 7:00a.m. to 1:00pm) got very hungry around 11:00am and stopped at Golden Corral in Franklin, for the breakfast buffet. (shame shame shame) it was yummy, but i had to work extra hard for the rest of the weekend to reverse saturday's damage. All in All, I'm a happy happy girl. Love to all,
Kathy
new me, week 10 results
Originally posted December 11, 2006 - Monday
new me, week 10 results
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Good morning to all. Short and sweet, I made NO changes in weight last week. I guess my body was using the week to process the 6 lb loss from the week before. I didn't get as much exercise as I have been getting, I was hungrier and therefore found myself eating a bit more. I think if I can get by this month without major fluctuation (gain), I'll be happy. Well, that's it from me for now.
Take care all, have a great week!!
new me, week 10 results
Current mood: good
Category: Life
Good morning to all. Short and sweet, I made NO changes in weight last week. I guess my body was using the week to process the 6 lb loss from the week before. I didn't get as much exercise as I have been getting, I was hungrier and therefore found myself eating a bit more. I think if I can get by this month without major fluctuation (gain), I'll be happy. Well, that's it from me for now.
Take care all, have a great week!!
new me, week 9 results, and other stuff, too
Originally posted December 4, 2006 - Monday
new me, week 9 results, and other stuff, too
Current mood: worried
Good morning to all. I wanted to thank everyone for the support and concern they've shown for us all with Daniel's grandmother being ill. Daniel drove up to Akron Friday, spent Friday evening, most of Saturday, and Sunday morning with her. She has always been his biggest fan, biggest supporter, when all the rest of his family had given up on him, she never did. He loves her not only as his Grandmother, but she raised him in the beginning years of his life, so she's also more like his mother. The condition she has is nicknamed C.Diff, and it's killing her. They are going to put a feeding tube in either today or tomorrow to try to get some nourishment into her before she starves to death. Daniel is an emotional mess right now, so please, continue your prayers, well wishes, positive thoughts and energy. Rebecca had strep throat last week, but is doing well, back to school, no longer contagious. It's been a bad week.
On to the diet. This will be the last time I report HIS progress, for a while anyways, because he's just about mentally DONE with it. He's unable to be excited about weight loss, and I don't wanna have to post weight gain or no loss for him week after week. He did not gain, but did not lose, so he's holding steady right now at 27 lbs lost.
I, on the other hand, am still very excited about my progress, the diet, the fitting into things I haven't fit into for a very long time, etc. etc.
Since last week's blog on monday, I have lost an additional 6 lbs, putting me at 34 pounds in 9 weeks. I am ecstatic. Thrilled. Very happy about this part of my life.
That's where we are for the moment. Thanks so much for reading, and have a great week.
(updated today 6/24/07, Daniel's grandma is home and doing well)
new me, week 9 results, and other stuff, too
Current mood: worried
Good morning to all. I wanted to thank everyone for the support and concern they've shown for us all with Daniel's grandmother being ill. Daniel drove up to Akron Friday, spent Friday evening, most of Saturday, and Sunday morning with her. She has always been his biggest fan, biggest supporter, when all the rest of his family had given up on him, she never did. He loves her not only as his Grandmother, but she raised him in the beginning years of his life, so she's also more like his mother. The condition she has is nicknamed C.Diff, and it's killing her. They are going to put a feeding tube in either today or tomorrow to try to get some nourishment into her before she starves to death. Daniel is an emotional mess right now, so please, continue your prayers, well wishes, positive thoughts and energy. Rebecca had strep throat last week, but is doing well, back to school, no longer contagious. It's been a bad week.
On to the diet. This will be the last time I report HIS progress, for a while anyways, because he's just about mentally DONE with it. He's unable to be excited about weight loss, and I don't wanna have to post weight gain or no loss for him week after week. He did not gain, but did not lose, so he's holding steady right now at 27 lbs lost.
I, on the other hand, am still very excited about my progress, the diet, the fitting into things I haven't fit into for a very long time, etc. etc.
Since last week's blog on monday, I have lost an additional 6 lbs, putting me at 34 pounds in 9 weeks. I am ecstatic. Thrilled. Very happy about this part of my life.
That's where we are for the moment. Thanks so much for reading, and have a great week.
(updated today 6/24/07, Daniel's grandma is home and doing well)
New Me, week 8 results
Originally posted November 27, 2006 - Monday
New Me, Week 8 Results, Thanksgiving Week
Current mood: blank
So, I guess you all might have wondered. Or at least SOME of you wondered,
the results.
Daniel and I both gained one pound last week. It's crazy, I know, for us to be so similar in our gains, losses, when we are so different in our diet strategies, what we eat, how much, etc etc. It's very odd.
Any way, not giving up, not discouraged, have gotten right back with it and I am thankful it wasnt more weight.
Love you all for reading, see you next week, if not before.
New Me, Week 8 Results, Thanksgiving Week
Current mood: blank
So, I guess you all might have wondered. Or at least SOME of you wondered,
the results.
Daniel and I both gained one pound last week. It's crazy, I know, for us to be so similar in our gains, losses, when we are so different in our diet strategies, what we eat, how much, etc etc. It's very odd.
Any way, not giving up, not discouraged, have gotten right back with it and I am thankful it wasnt more weight.
Love you all for reading, see you next week, if not before.
New Me, week 7 results
Originally posted November 20, 2006 - Monday
New Me, week 7 results
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Hi all, guess what time it is? It's diet report time. I'll get right down to it, since I don't have a lot to expound on...
Daniel lost 4 pounds this week!!, bringing his total to 28 lbs lost.
I lost 2 pounds, putting me at 29!!
I am so excited! HAPPYHAPPYHAPPY. We should be getting a digital camera soon, (ordered off E-bay) so new pics will be coming.
Love and hugs to all, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
New Me, week 7 results
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Hi all, guess what time it is? It's diet report time. I'll get right down to it, since I don't have a lot to expound on...
Daniel lost 4 pounds this week!!, bringing his total to 28 lbs lost.
I lost 2 pounds, putting me at 29!!
I am so excited! HAPPYHAPPYHAPPY. We should be getting a digital camera soon, (ordered off E-bay) so new pics will be coming.
Love and hugs to all, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Grandchild number three and plans for Christmas
Originally posted November 17, 2006 - Friday
Grandchild number three and plans for Christmas
Hey every body, this blog is being written at 4:20am my time, and even though I've been up since 3:20am, I'm not really very coherent, but will do my best....
Today at 4:00am eastern time, in the city of Cary, NC (Raleigh) Danyse my daughter gave birth to CJ. (Calvin Jr.) He weighed in at 7 lbs 3 oz. and she hadn't been told his length yet. My mom was there with her, along with Calvin and his mom, all night at the hospital, and took pictures. I gave DD instructions to give to my mom. Get the pics developed NOW, and send me the disc NOW. Hopefully I will have pics to post soon.
I sure would have loved to have been there as well, but all of my paid time off is gone for the year. I will be getting the week of Christmas off, paid, since our office traditionally closes with pay to the employees. And plan to spend that time with my family in NC.
Daniel, Becca and I will be in Raleigh for Christmas, and closer to NYE we'll be in the Charlotte area.
Grandchild number three and plans for Christmas
Hey every body, this blog is being written at 4:20am my time, and even though I've been up since 3:20am, I'm not really very coherent, but will do my best....
Today at 4:00am eastern time, in the city of Cary, NC (Raleigh) Danyse my daughter gave birth to CJ. (Calvin Jr.) He weighed in at 7 lbs 3 oz. and she hadn't been told his length yet. My mom was there with her, along with Calvin and his mom, all night at the hospital, and took pictures. I gave DD instructions to give to my mom. Get the pics developed NOW, and send me the disc NOW. Hopefully I will have pics to post soon.
I sure would have loved to have been there as well, but all of my paid time off is gone for the year. I will be getting the week of Christmas off, paid, since our office traditionally closes with pay to the employees. And plan to spend that time with my family in NC.
Daniel, Becca and I will be in Raleigh for Christmas, and closer to NYE we'll be in the Charlotte area.
November 14, 2006 - Tuesday
 | Ebay Hello all, I am blogging to let you know that Daniel and I are going to try the Ebay thing. Don't know if we'll be successful or not, but we're going to give it a try. if you want to see our ebay profile and what we have, you can go here: |
New Me, week 6 results
Originally posted November 13, 2006 - Monday
| New Me, week 6 results Hi. Anybody getting sick of me yet? (j/k, if you are, I DON'T want to know) |
New Me, week 5 results
Originally posted November 6, 2006 - Monday
| New Me, week 5 results Back again with more good news!! The weight keeps coming off. "Slow and steady" is the phrase for the week I lost another 2 lbs, Daniel lost 3. |
New Me, week 4 results
Originally posted October 30, 2006 - Monday
| New Me, week 4 results week 4, results |
excited New Me, week 3 results
Originally posted October 23, 2006
But:
I was worried all week, too, because by last night, I had put on 2 pounds, and it was aggravating, because I was NOT CHEATING. I wrote a friend of mine, who is a former power lifter, personal trainer and nutrition counselor, and told her my concerns, I asked her for some input, (something positive, please) She told me that muscle DOES weigh more than fat, that if I am ONLY lifting weights as exercise, I WILL gain weight, even though I'm losing fat, in the beginning. She said I need to add some cardio training into my exercise, which I knew, I just dont like going outside to do it. She also indicated that as my muscles get stronger and more fit, they will help me burn more fat. Anyway, late last week I remembered that the people I work for have a little gym set up in one of the vacant offices in this building (they own the building) In it, are weights, a weight bench, and a TREADMILL!!! Friday I walked for about 15 minutes, went 3/4 of a mile. I was excited. This morning, I walked about 20 minutes, and did one mile!! (I actually jogged for 1/8 of that mile!!) It's my intention to come to work dressed in sweats and tennies, get here early, go get my cardio out of the way for the day, and then change and come to work. So, the end results for the end of week three,
Daniel lost another 2 lbs, for a total of 21 lbs so far for him,
I didn't lose, but I did get rid of those 2 lbs that I had "gained", so I'm still at 19 lbs for 3 weeks. I'm happy with that, because I know that my new heavy muscles are going to benefit me in the long run, and that's what I'm here for, the long run, not the short term.
Much love to all,
Kathy
p.s. thank you Cory, for setting me straight, I LOVE you!
New Me, week 3 results
Ok, so, here's the scoop. I felt good all week, thought I was being good, following the "diet" and working out.But:
I was worried all week, too, because by last night, I had put on 2 pounds, and it was aggravating, because I was NOT CHEATING. I wrote a friend of mine, who is a former power lifter, personal trainer and nutrition counselor, and told her my concerns, I asked her for some input, (something positive, please) She told me that muscle DOES weigh more than fat, that if I am ONLY lifting weights as exercise, I WILL gain weight, even though I'm losing fat, in the beginning. She said I need to add some cardio training into my exercise, which I knew, I just dont like going outside to do it. She also indicated that as my muscles get stronger and more fit, they will help me burn more fat. Anyway, late last week I remembered that the people I work for have a little gym set up in one of the vacant offices in this building (they own the building) In it, are weights, a weight bench, and a TREADMILL!!! Friday I walked for about 15 minutes, went 3/4 of a mile. I was excited. This morning, I walked about 20 minutes, and did one mile!! (I actually jogged for 1/8 of that mile!!) It's my intention to come to work dressed in sweats and tennies, get here early, go get my cardio out of the way for the day, and then change and come to work. So, the end results for the end of week three,
Daniel lost another 2 lbs, for a total of 21 lbs so far for him,
I didn't lose, but I did get rid of those 2 lbs that I had "gained", so I'm still at 19 lbs for 3 weeks. I'm happy with that, because I know that my new heavy muscles are going to benefit me in the long run, and that's what I'm here for, the long run, not the short term.
Much love to all,
Kathy
p.s. thank you Cory, for setting me straight, I LOVE you!
New Me, week 2 results
Originally posted October 16, 2006
New Me, week 2 results
Current mood:
accomplished
Category: Life
New Me, week 2 results
Current mood:
accomplished Category: Life
Hi friends,
Last week was a good week; we cheated a little, but with Subway sandwiches, not BigMacs and french fries! We also made adjustments to the diet we were following.
(For those who care, we started phase one of The South Beach Diet, which is very strict. NO sugar, NO bread, NO rice NO pasta, NO corn, NO peas, NO potatoes, NO carrots, but as much as we want of most other veggies. Basically {and I'm leaving lots out, go buy the book if you're seriously interested}, meat, eggs, lowfat cottage cheese, low fat cheese, and veggies.)
Phase 1 is supposed to last 2 weeks, but we were so pissed off by the end of week one, even WITH the amazing results, we knew that to try to continue another week like that might spell the end of our diet. (too many withdrawals from the Bank of Will Power – left us with a negative balance)
I wasn't sure how we would do with having made "adjustments" i.e. apples, rice cakes. I was worried about blowing it, and in truth didn't think that I had lost anything. Daniel is able to eat more than I, and cheat a bit more, without having negative results, because he's a man, for one, and two, he's on his feet all day working physical work. Me? I'm on my ass all day being mental – which does NOT burn the same amount of calories.
We also went and bought a weight bench and weights, and are starting to do some working out at the house. I'm gonna be buff!! (j/k)
So, after all is said and done, the results: another 4 lbs! Each of us!. Crazy isn't it? Neck and neck. Total of 19 lbs in 2 weeks. Woooohoooooo! I'm so over the top excited!
Again, update for you all next week, keep your fingers crossed for us.
Love and respect to all.
The Beginning of a New Me
Originally posted October 8, 2006
The Beginning of a New Me.
Current mood: 
cheerful
Category: Life
Hello friends, I have been rolling this one around all week. I wasn't sure if I was going to blog it, or keep it to myself. Well, I decided the more people who know and care, the better my chances (I hope). So, last week, both Daniel and I decided that it was time to do something about our weight problem. I've always been "chubby". But for the past several years, chubby doesn't really describe me. (It's not fair to the word) I really like the terms, "Voluptuous", "Rubenesque", "BBW (Big Beautiful Woman)", because they are flattering. But that's not what I see when I look in the mirror. (Thank God for sweet personalities, cute faces and big tits, or I'd really be sunk! Now, those of you who haven't ever seen me, probably don't see what I see, by my profile pics. Naturally, I don't have any pics posted of me that didn't come out well, but I promise, there are plenty. I am just vain enough to not want to show you those.
Any way, last week Daniel and I started a diet. In one week, I've lost somewhere between 12-15 lbs, depending where I stand on the piece of crap scale we have. I'm sticking with 15!! Anyway, next week, we'll buy a better scale and I hope to be able to report progress each week. I'm not so naive as to think the reports will be this amazing, (15 pounds in one week!! OMG) but if I can maintain a consistant weight loss, something every week, I'll just be tickled. Daniel, had the same weight loss amount as I did. We're both very very pleased.
Family, legal and binding
Originally posted August 9, 2006
Family, legal and binding
Current mood: 
happy
Category: Life
Yesterday was a terrific day in the Barr household!! Let me share. (I have to start with some history)
Daniel and I met and fell in love in July of 2000. Rebecca was 3 at that time. I had been separated from her biological father for a year and was processing the divorce. Daniel and I married in March, 2001. So were right at about 5-1/2 years married. Any way, About 6 months ago, he and I were outside on the back porch, having a conversation when he told me that he wanted to adopt Rebecca. It came out of the blue, I had no idea that he felt that strongly, but he was very clear, and said that hed said what he wanted to say and wouldnt bring it up again. Well, I thought long and hard, because I was kind of against it at first. I wasnt trying to be selfish; I just worried that if Daniel and I end up not making it the distance, it would be harder for her to take. As I took my time deciding, I watched them interact. I know that Daniel is 50 times the father to Rebecca than her bio-father ever was. I know that Rebecca loves Daniel as her father, and it seemed unfair that she was unable to carry his last name, as I do. I would never have suggested or pushed this on Daniel, or anyone, for that matter, because to me, my children are MY responsibility. So I had to struggle with my own understanding of parenting, and sharing. I finally got there. With some loving advice from people I respect, I worked it out in my own mind, and gave Rebecca the father she loves, and gave Daniel the daughter he adores. The judge approved the termination of bio-fathers parental rights and the adoption yesterday 8/8/06. Daniel said it was one of the best things ever to have happened to him. I hope he still thinks so when she becomes a teen-ager. LOL.
Special thanks to my Employer, Attorney Doug Omer, for helping me out at cost, because it would have been impossible otherwise.
Also thanks to my sister, who came along and snapped a few pictures.
Animals, Light Sleepers, and Weekends
Originally posted April 29, 2006 (and yes, we still have the animals)
Animals, Light Sleepers, and Weekends
Current mood: 
awake
Category: Life
Well, thanks for listening. Have a nice weekend!!
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